ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses survivors’ first steps toward healing when looking back on an unhealthy relationship. Most important is to acknowledge to themselves that they have, indeed, survived an abusive relationship. Although most survivors may have no doubt that they were in an abusive or violent relationship, many may be hesitant to define the relationship in those terms. Now that they are out, their feelings may be surfacing telling them that the relationship was much worse than “just difficult.” Chapter 1 assists them in reviewing the characteristics and behaviors of abusive relationships. It helps clarify the nature of the relationship and helps them to move forward.
