Whether a person was physically, emotionally, sexually or otherwise 
abused, there are traits common to victims of abuse which impact how they manage their emotional world, how they see themselves, and how they relate to others. It is not uncommon for a person to re-enact the trauma by getting into relationships with other people who will violate their boundaries or not value their dignity. People who have experienced abuse from a young age often carry a sense of powerlessness or helplessness into adulthood. They may be really good at caring for others, even quite competent professionally, but they never develop the skills to care for themselves nor feel a sense of permission to do so. Therapy can be very effective in working through both the abuse, and its impact on the victim’s sense of self. Having been victimized in the past does not doom a person to remain a victim or powerless in the present or future. If you have experienced abuse of any form and feel it is impacting your quality of life or your relationships, perhaps it’s time to break free and pursue healing. Don’t give the abuser another day of your life.