We help people who have been abused by
therapists
and other authority figures
Abuse, sexual or otherwise, of patients, clients and co-workers by professionals is surprisingly common. The abuser may be a counselor, psychologist, physician or other mental health professional, a church minister, priest, superior officer or camp counselor. Abuse of clients and patients does lasting harm to victims and to their families. These illegal actions on the part of professionals are prohibited for many reasons.
This website, along with our blog, Recovering from Abuse by Authority Figures, will provide readers with written materials, articles and books concerning this subject. These will include commentary by our staff at Tiwald Law Firm and we invite commentary by our readers.
It is our intent that this blog will serve as a resource center for people who have endured abuse by a professional, providing support and assets for them and their families to aid emotional recovery. We will also provide guidance in taking the necessary steps to hold an abuser legally liable for his or her actions.
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Abuse, sexual or otherwise, of patients, clients and co-workers by professionals is surprisingly common. The abuser may be a counselor, psychologist, physician or other mental health professional, a church minister, priest or camp counselor. Abuse of clients and patients does lasting harm to victims and to their families. These illegal actions on the part of professionals are prohibited for many reasons.
This website along with our blog, Recovering from Abuse by Authority Figures, will provide readers with written materials, articles and books concerning this subject. These will include commentary by our staff, and we invite commentary by our readers. It is our intent that this blog will serve as a resource center for victims of abuse and their families, providing resources to aid emotional recovery. We will also provide guidance in taking the necessary steps to hold an abuser legally liable for his or her actions.
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The Signs of Abuse by an Authority Figure
You may feel that if you're not being hurt physically, you are not being abused. But attempts to scare, isolate, or control you are also abuse. They can affect your physical and emotional well-being. And they often are a sign that physical abuse will follow.
You may be experiencing abuse if someone:
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Decides things for you that you should decide
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Monitors what you’re doing all the time
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Unfairly accuses you of being unfaithful all the time
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Prevents or discourages you from seeing friends or family
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Tries to stop you from going to work or school
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Gets angry in a way that is frightening to you
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Controls how you spend your money
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Humiliates you in front of others
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Threatens to hurt you or people you care about
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Threatens to harm himself or herself when upset with you
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Says things like, “If I can’t have you then no one can.”
{ Excerpted from WomensHealth.gov }
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First, truly understand that the abuse is not your fault and that you are not the cause. You are a victim who deserves to be safe in your daily life and who has made a decision that you will not tolerate the abuse any longer.
Second, tell someone. You can choose a friend or relative you trust or call an abuse hotline or crisis center. Click here to see a list of places you can go, either online or in person to start the process of reclaiming your life.
Third, seek professional help. After enduring emotional trauma, you will need both emotional support and legal help.
Click here for more resources.