Common Myths About Abuse That Keep Survivors in Denial

"Donovan sat on the couch across from me, his head in his hands. "I can't be a victim of abuse," he said slowly. "Why not?" I asked gently, hoping to provoke thought and reflection. "Because I am a man!" he said, head popping up. "And he never put his hands on me..." he followed up, reflecting on the unhealthy relationship with his partner that had brought him into therapy."

"Growing up in an abusive home can make survivors desensitized to recognizing harmful behaviors Many survivors of abusive families carry with them unspoken rules and assumptions about what abuse looks like and who it can happen to. These beliefs often create barriers to recognizing and acknowledging abuse later in life. In my practice, I see these kinds of assumptions frequently holding victims back from coming forward or fully understanding their experiences."

Early family dynamics shape perceptions of acceptable behavior and can desensitize survivors to harmful patterns. Children from abusive homes often develop denial, excusing, and other coping mechanisms that later obscure recognition of emotional and psychological abuse in adult relationships. Social stereotypes about socioeconomic status, gender, and sexuality further narrow expectations of who can be a victim and what abuse looks like. These assumptions cause missed warning signs, maintain silence, and prevent many victims from acknowledging their experiences or seeking help. Challenging stereotypes and expanding definitions of abuse can enable more accurate recognition and encourage disclosure.

Read at Psychology Today