By: Clint Schiller
Dating a Survivor of Domestic Abuse can be frustrating, difficult, irritating, complexing, and confusing; if you try and fix them!
- PATIENCE – is the first key attribute to have when dating a domestic violence survivor. They are usually not very willing to let you in.
- UNDERSTANDING – not about what they have been through (this helps) but the kind that you know they have things they are going to need to work through in their own time.
- RESPECT – Some things that may not seem very big of a deal in a normal relationship may be a huge trigger for them. Don’t disregard it.
- YOUR MINDSET – Long-term Outlook- They may never fully get over their domestic violence incident.
- STRONG – Not Physically, but Mentally, Emotionally, and physiologically. You cannot be faint of heart!
- STABLE – You need to be consistent with your actions, words, behavior, and affection with them.
- CARING – Sometimes words are not what they need. A Hug, kiss on the cheek, rub on back, holding their hand, wink, or just being nearby is all they need.
- GOOD LISTENER – Make Eye contact, hold their hand, repeat back what they said. Acknowledge what they may be feeling or thinking.
- APOLOGETIC – You are going to mess up when dating someone who has been through DV. If you haven’t been through it, you will never truly grasp the entire phenomenon of being a victim of DV!
