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Quote by Susan Forward

“Instead, incest occurs in families where there is a great deal of emotional isolation, secrecy, neediness, stress, and lack of respect. In many ways incest can be viewed as part of a total family breakdown. But it is the aggressor and the aggressor alone who commits the sexual violence.”

Book:Toxic Parents: Overcoming Their Hurtful Legacy and Reclaiming Your Life

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Toxic Parents: Overcoming Their Hurtful Legacy and Reclaiming Your Life

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Author

Susan Forward

Susan Forward is an American author born on May 14, 1938. She is renowned for her works in the field of psychology, particularly her books that delve into family dynamics and intimate relationships. more

“One of the reasons a survivor finds it so difficult to see herself as a victim is that she has been blamed repeatedly for the abuse: "If you weren't such a whore, this wouldn't have to happen." Each time she is used and trashed, she becomes further convinced of her innate badness. She sees herself participating in forbidden sexual activity and may often get some sense of gratification from it even if she doesn't want to (it is, after all, a form of touch, and our bodies respond without the consent of our wills). This is seen as further proof that the abuse is her fault and well deserved. In her mind, she has become responsible for the actions of her abusers. She believes she is not a victim; she is a loathsome, despicable, worthless human being—if indeed she even qualifies as human. When the abuse has been sadistic in nature...these beliefs are futher entrenched.”

Child Abuse Child Sexual Abuse Abuse Survivors Incest Dehumanization Complex Ptsd Victim Blaming Child Sexual Abuse Survivor Complex Trauma Self Blame Child Sexual Abuse Survivors No Longer Human

Book:Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Source: Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse

“Be kind, for everyone you encounter is quietly healing unseen burdens.”

Life Inspirational Inspiration Motivational Motivation Kindness Positive

Book:The Light in the Heart

Source: The Light in the Heart

“The experience of childhood sexual abuse leaves some survivors with a high tolerance for pain. Dysfunctional environments require endurance and thick skin. Child survivors sometimes have to commit to sticking things out in order to survive. This pattern of tolerance follows you into adulthood. Instead of using pain as a signal to evaluate and change direction, you may use pain as a signal to try harder. Try harder to please someone. Try harder to control your children. Try harder to be a good friend. Try harder to be successful at a job that you hate. You remain in survival mode that you picked up as a child. Your high tolerance for pain keeps you committed to dysfunctional experiences and relationships that recycle pain from the past. Sometimes, the only way out of this cycle is time in isolation to learn what peace feels like. Sometimes you have to be willing to let go of everything in order to learn how to hold onto anything.”

Child Sexual Abuse Abuse Survivors Child Sexual Abuse Survivor Child Abuse Survivors Child Sexual Abuse Survivors Pain Tolerance

Author:Rosenna Bakari

“There is a slave trade still in this country—yes, the real and horrific sex and human trafficking trade run by organised criminal gangs, which is appalling and must be stopped. But there's the hidden slavery too of children exploited and used within their own families, within organised and ritual abuse.”