Abuse, verbal, mental, physical and sexual touches millions of lives in the world. This behavior is too often tolerated because of shame, fear and guilt or even due to self-blame. Sadly, abuse leads to abuse. Like the links in a chain, it continues from one generation to another until someone stands up and refuses to be a part of the chain.

    It takes a great amount of courage to be a chain breaker. Some are able to do it on their own while others need help. It is important not to ignore cries for help. These cries can be subtle and may be nothing more then a hidden bruise exposed for you to see or asking if they can spend time at your house. Many times, you will see people living in an abusive atmosphere spending less and less time at home, any reason is a good reason to get away. Abusive children run away, abused adults escape when the abuser is at work but know to return before the abuser gets home.

   Some characteristics to look for in an abuser; Respect is demanded from the abuser, social isolation, abuser has a self-centered personality, demeaning behavior exhibited by the abuser, quick temper, doesn’t like friends.

   Some characteristics to look for in someone you suspect is being abused; Changes in behavior, sleep disturbances, unexplained and sudden fears, loss of appetite, excessive anger or reckless behavior, reluctance to spend time with certain people, a need for more reassurance than usual, depression, drug or alcohol use, increase in physical complaints, suicide attempts, self-inflicted abuse, poor self-esteem.

   Of course, someone that shows these characteristics doesn’t necessarily mean they are an abuser or someone that is suffering from abuse. These characteristics are warning signs that something may be wrong. We should not ignore these signs. These signs are our signal to ask questions, become involved, stick our nose in their business.

   Too many people in the world today are afraid to get involved, but getting involved is the only way we can stop abuse and help victims. Ignoring these signs could be fatal.

   People surrender to abuse. The abuser holds the power, pulls the strings and breaking free is not always easy. Many people that are in an abusive relationship will protect the abuser convinced they are loved and that they caused the abuse. This fact alone makes it imperative that we get involved, step in, be brave and put a stop to it so these people can feel true love and regain the confidence and innocence taken forcefully away from them. Our actions could save a life.

   Do not put yourself in harms way. Do not overestimate the power of the abuser. The world today is full of support centers, all just a phone call away. Most of these support centers will take your information and never ask for a name. An investigation will take place, better to be wrong than sorry later. That one phone call may be all that is needed to break the chain of abuse.
by
Brian R. Smith
Author of, Losing Innocence
ISBN: 1-4241-0038-0
http://www.brianrsmith.net