ABSTRACT
The act of seeking help for domestic abuse varies from victim to victim. It is critical that victims are able to have a level of awareness of when they are experiencing abuse. This may be difficult to distinguish, due to how domestic abuse is portrayed in the media. Many victims do not seek help until the abuse becomes life-threatening or potentially fatal, and they have no other option but to seek help. Victims often feel humiliated or embarrassed that they are experiencing the abuse, which also prevents them from seeking help. It is important to note that each victim of domestic abuse is unique and individual. Not all victims experience or process their feelings the same way in an abusive relationship. A primary reason why victims feel apprehensive about getting help is because of their experiencing Stockholm Syndrome – which is “traumatic bonding” that occurs with the victim and her abuser. As a result, the victim feels the incessant need to protect her abuser from harm’s way and to safeguard her abuser from getting in trouble with the law.
