How to Break the Cycle of Abuse

Causing physical or emotional harm to another is abuse. Experts document that abuse often works in cycles--abusers continue to abuse. Victims continue to find themselves in abusive situations, and, at times, turn into the abuser. But abuse need not continue. Break the cycle of abuse with the following steps.

Instructions

1. Deal with past abuse. Without intervention, abuse continues to affect you. Talking and acknowledging what happened helps you heal, which breaks the cycle of abuse.

2. Recognize that pushing memories of abuse away often backfires. People find themselves repeating patterns on an unconscious level because they haven't dealt with the cycle of abuse in a healthy manner.

3. Realize that some victims of child abuse don't abuse their children, but turn that anger inward and suffer from depression. Children of the abused are at risk of neglect or of being abused by someone else unless you break the cycle.

4. Consider making an appointment for therapy. Talking with a trained therapist can help you work through your memories in order to recognize and break from abusive situations. Or attend a support group. Sometimes being with others who have suffered similar experiences helps people open up.

5. Understand that abusers are at fault, not the person who was abused. Grieve for what you lost and find constructive ways to deal with feelings of anger. Learn appropriate communication skills in order to improve communication with others in a healthy manner.

6. Take note of problems with relationships. Consider that relationship problems often relate to a history of abuse. Reliving abuse is common and problems to victims who can't have a trusting, intimate relationship.

7. Seek assistance from a victim's aid group or domestic violence agency. Many organizations exist to provide a safe place to stay or provide legal information and emotional support.