Family and Friends

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Many survivors find relationships challenging. Trauma, violence and abuse can damage relationships within families of origin or other domestic arrangements. Some survivors are estranged from their families for this reason. Others, abused as children, grew up without their family. Many survivors grew up without a strong bond to their caregiver/s or parents.

Many survivors were not believed or were blamed for what happened. They were betrayed and find it hard to trust.

This can make it hard to have close relationships of any sort, including friendships and intimate relationships. Prior trauma doesn’t only affect family relationships. It can also affect those with partners and friends. It can also affect parenting of their own children.

Many survivors become fiercely independent, withdraw easily and avoid social contact. Other survivors become clingy or can be demanding. Some learn to disclose frequently, and sometimes to people who are not close or trustworthy; others become people pleasers. All of these ways of being are reactions to trauma experiences, especially when those experiences were in childhood.

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It is however possible to heal from childhood trauma and develop mutually supportive and respectful relationships. Many survivors develop trusting connections over time. This can start with a single relationship, sometimes with a counsellor or therapist. For others it might be with a friend who understands.

This can help you develop a sense of safety in other relationships that you never thought possible. Relationships are very important in recovery. It is important to understand why they can be challenging. The difficulties survivors have with safety, trust, triggers, and strong emotions can challenge relationships. It is important to understand these difficulties and know that they are normal biological responses to trauma.

It is possible to work through relationship challenges over time, with the right support. Support from emotionally available family and friends, can be an important part of this process.

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Blue Knot Helpline and Redress Support Service is a specialist service.

Our counsellors provide empathetic, informative and empowering support for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse.