Understanding Why Abuse Victims Defend Their Abusers
Defending one's abuser has to do with the trauma bond that occurs when a narcissist pulls their victims in with the aforementioned love-bombing and really sticks their fangs into their victims, causing them to be trapped in the mental prison of their abuser, even once the abuse is obvious.
Why do some abuse victims stand by their abusers, even when the harm is clear? In this episode of the 'Narcissism Recovery Podcast', Yitz Epstein tackles this perplexing issue head-on. Yitz explains that the initial trust and love within the relationship often blind victims, trapping them in a mental prison built by their abuser. Trauma bonding, codependency, and the fear of being abandoned play significant roles in this dynamic.
Children of abusive parents may also defend their abusers as a survival mechanism. The episode delves into how denial and gaslighting techniques used by abusers make it hard for victims to speak out and be believed. Yitz offers valuable insights on breaking free from the cycle of abuse and healing from past trauma. If you or someone you know is struggling with these issues, this episode provides a compassionate guide to understanding and overcoming these challenges.