After prolonged abuse, women develop some or all of the following characteristics:

• Internalized blame
• Tendency to minimize the seriousness of the abuse
• Confusion when abuse is not on a continuous basis
• Fear and anxiety about the violence in their lives
• Addiction to numb out the pain

If you feel you are a victim of abuse, protect yourself. Try and remember that no one has the right to control another person and that it is everyone’s human right to live without fear. Find help and keep trying until you find someone who will help you and respect your right to make decisions for yourself.