Breaking the Cycle: What Survivors Want to Learn to Avoid Repeated Harm
People who have faced violence often struggle with lasting effects, including PTSD and a higher chance of facing violence again—a phenomenon known as revictimization. This is a tough cycle to break, and currently, there are no solid plans to help prevent it.
Understanding Survivors' Needs
A recent study aimed to understand what skills survivors believe would help them stay safe. Researchers spoke with 16 individuals who had experienced violence, gathering their insights on what they wish they had learned to avoid further harm.
Four Key Areas for Growth
The study identified four critical areas where survivors want to develop skills:
Emotional Regulation
- Understanding and managing emotions effectively.
Self-Talk
- Learning to communicate with themselves in a supportive and constructive manner.
Communication with Others
- Improving how they interact and express themselves to others.
Social Circle Management
- Better navigating and managing their social environments.
A Holistic Approach
These findings suggest that survivors need a comprehensive approach that addresses emotions, thoughts, and actions. The study also revealed that survivors' perceptions of risk factors for revictimization align with existing research.
Moving Forward
This study is a crucial step toward creating better support systems for survivors. It demonstrates that survivors themselves know what they need to stay safe. Future initiatives should prioritize these needs and offer skills training in the four identified areas.
