The abused becomes the abuser for a number of reasons.
Such patterns are familiar or may serve as a way to regain a sense of power.
Such abuse may also be linked to feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, or grandiosity.
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There are many factors that can contribute to the ongoing cycle of abuse.
People who experienced sexual abuse as children may struggle with confusing associations between love and abuse.
They may also experience problems with anger, trust, control, and insecurity.
These feelings may become interpreted as feelings of love and passion, and can lead to sexual arousal.
People who have been abused may not realize that other, healthier ways of feeling in relationships are possible.
Their experience taps into feelings of intimacy associated with abuse that were imprinted at a very early age.
Recap
Early childhood experiences with abuse can create associations that persist into adulthood.
They may feel in a submissive position to others, making it hard to accept real love.
They may have a hard time respecting other people as equals.
Abuse may affect a person’s ability to feel empathy for others.
This can lead to feelings of superiority that make it difficult to form healthy relationships in adulthood.
In some cases, if early sexual experiences involved abuse, survivors may become sexually aroused by abusive behavior.
This does not mean they want or wanted to be abused or that they genuinely enjoy abuse.
Not all survivors of abuse experience this.
Abuse can be a way to express that anger.
People who have experienced abuse may struggle with feelings of insecurity that affect their ability to trust others.
This can cause them to respond with avoidance or hostility.
Other factors include having a substance use disorder or having another mental health condition.
Lack ofsocial supportand socioeconomic stress also play a role.
If you are concerned that you might engage in abuse, talk to a healthcare provider or therapist.
They can refer you to resources that may help, including psychotherapy andsupport groups.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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