Stage 4 — Believing It Happened

Another stage in healing from abuse is the process of believing the abuse actually happened.

Some survivors immediately accept their memories.

Others struggle with doubt and denial.

Denial can serve as a coping mechanism, protecting the survivor from overwhelming emotions.

Many survivors question their experiences and may think:

• “Maybe it wasn’t really abuse.”

• “Maybe I misunderstood.”

• “Maybe I’m exaggerating.”

These doubts are common.

But healing requires facing the truth of what happened.

Believing your own experience is a powerful step toward recovery.