This is known as reactive abuse.
They may resort to yelling, screaming, insulting, or even assaulting their abuser.
Rather, they are a victim who is reacting to being abused.
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The term reactive abuse can therefore be problematic, because it labels the victim as an abuser.
A more accurate term to describe this behavior is self-defense.
Victims may feel as if they are crazy and demonstrate an increased dependence on their partner.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
You may feel trapped and not know what to do.
Leaving an abusive situation is not easy.
As soon as you are safely able to do so, create an exit plan andleavethe abusive situation.
Patra P, Prakash J, Patra B, Khanna P.Intimate partner violence: Wounds are deeper.Indian J Psychiatry.
2023;35(4):301-303. doi:10.1177/10105395231164439
