I have been abused. Is it my fault?

If you have been abused, it is normal to feel confused, afraid, upset, ashamed and trapped. You may blame yourself or feel responsible for what has happened. 

At some point, you may even feel responsible to fix it and feel something is wrong with you. These feelings are normal responses to abuse. There is nothing wrong with you. 

No matter what you feel or what others might say, you are never responsible for your partner’s abusive actions.

Abuse is always a decision that a perpetrator makes to harm their partner.

Abuse is not caused by alcohol or drugs, stress, anger management, or provocation. It is the perpetrator’s choice to be abusive.

If you’re experiencing abuse, it’s important to get help. Talking to someone you trust can be a good first step to getting support.

Get support

If you are a survivor of abuse or experiencing abuse, you are not alone – we are here to help. 

No matter how alone or worried you feel, our counselors will always listen and support you. Our counselors are not here to judge you – they listen and care.