| Domestic violence victims become slowly | | | | agencies can provide invaluable assistance for victims |
| brainwashed by their abusers. Hopelessness and a | | | | to get court orders of protection, counseling, |
| feeling of not be able to see anything beyond the | | | | referrals to shelters, social services and counseling for |
| abuse coupled with traumatic bonding (think | | | | children. It is never advisable to tell a victim to simply |
| Stockholm syndrome) leave victims feeling trapped | | | | leave since it could be dangerous, this safety planning |
| and perhaps unable to see their strengths and the | | | | is essential. Hypnosis can be helpful in assisting |
| resources available for them both internally and in the | | | | someone to stay out of the abusive situation once |
| community. Hypnosis can help victims to challenge | | | | safety has been established. Rehearsal of strength in |
| some of their learned pessimism by envisioning a | | | | the face of financial and emotional manipulation can |
| future that's hopeful and free. Face it, if it were easy | | | | help a victim to gain the necessary distance to see |
| to leave, victims would. While the community must | | | | what is going on and to stand firm in the face of the |
| learn the dynamics of abuse and provide support and | | | | oppressive efforts of an abandoned abuser. |
| nonjudgmental help for victims, hypnosis can help the | | | | To learn more contact a local domestic violence |
| victim to see new possibilities for freedom and self | | | | agency. Never blame a victim, give him or her choices |
| sufficiency. | | | | about their life and you will be assisting in creating a |
| When helping victims to leave it is essential that their | | | | society that is better for all of us. |
| safety remains paramount. Domestic Violence | | | | |