For professionals who work in Domestic Abuse – (Don Hennessy series part 8)

This is an excellent series and everone should read it.

A Cry For Justice

It is difficult to imagine what it must be like living with a partner who wants to abuse you. (131*)

A client [of a counselor or helping professional] who is being abused is different from a non-abused client. She [usually] presents herself in the language of the abuser. She sees herself as inadequate and responsible. We will want to accept her explanation because it will make us feel useful. (156)

We need to recognise that ‘her analysis’ is his analysis. (102)

We do a huge disservice to these clients if we pathologize their persona and see them as unwell. (155)

Abused women were not different from non-abused women before the abuse started. To survive they try to forget and forgive. They want their relationship to work. They become both mother and slave to their abuser. (156)

I find it helpful to remind myself that my client is returning to…

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