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The MEND Project Blog

The MEND Project Blog

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The MEND Project’s blog offers articles, personal stories, and more to help victims and responders of emotional abuse.

Use the box below to search our articles, or scroll down to view them as a list.

Additionally, you can click here for free downloadable resources.

Trauma Bonding Explained: Signs and How to Break the Bond

Understanding Trauma Bonding: What It Is and How to Break Free

When abuse is present in a relationship, a trauma bond can form, making it difficult, and seemingly impossible, to stay or leave the harmful

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how_to-get-out-of-an_abusive_relationship

How to Get Out of an Abusive Relationship Safely: A Guide

If you are in an abusive relationship, the situation can become so dangerous that leaving becomes not just necessary but urgent for your safety.

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Why Women Stay in Abusive Relationships

13 Overlooked Reasons Why Women Stay in Abusive Relationships

If you have witnessed a friend or family member in an abusive relationship, you likely were concerned for their safety and maybe even their

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relationship issues therapist

Choosing a Therapist: A Guide With Questions to Ask

How to Choose an Individual or Relationship Therapist And Identify Red Flags Indicating It’s Time to Exit Let’s begin with a few preliminary points before

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Abusive Belittling

When ‘Belittling’ Crosses the Line into Emotional Abuse

Belittling within an abusive relationship happens slowly over time. If it happened outright and upfront, the victim would be more likely to confront it

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Reactive Defense: Understanding the Fallacy of Mutual Abuse

There’s been significant debate and public discussion about the term ‘mutual abuse,’ which has been used to conclude that some situations of domestic violence,

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Overt vs. Covert Beharior Relationship Examples

Overt vs. Covert Behavior — Relationship Examples

It is difficult to understand overt versus covert behaviors and how each plays out within relationships. Yet understanding is the key to overcoming. Covert behaviors

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A woman experiencing what is institutional abuse.

What Is Institutional Abuse? (Definition, Types, And Effects)

It may seem implausible that an “institution” or “organization” can abuse people. But the truth is that it can and does happen. In this article, you’re

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Leaving a Covert Narcissist

The Story of Leaving a Covert Narcissist: By Michelle

In this brave Emotional Abuse Survivor Story by Michelle (not her real name), she shares the details of her journey being married to a

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What is Narcissistic Gaslighting?

The terms “narcissist” and “gaslighting” are widely used in our culture, but they are rarely understood. Narcissistic gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse

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hands-aren't-meant-to-be-feared,-by-Rowe

Hands Aren’t Meant to Be Feared, by Rowe

In this blog, Rowe (not her real name) shares her story of domestic violence and abuse and how it negatively impacted her life. Through

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losing-my-mom-after-abuse-and-finding-clarity

Losing My Mom After Abuse and Finding Clarity (Brigid’s Story)

​For many, abuse is a well-kept secret. This was true for “Brigid” who grew up watching her mother experience constant verbal, emotional, and mental abuse

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playing the victim blog

Playing the Victim: How Abusers Flip the Script

Abuse in relationships can take many different forms, some subtle and hidden, while others are overt. One of the most confusing and painful tactics used by abusers is playing the victim—a manipulative strategy where they ...

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Abusive Belittling

The Harm of Pathologizing Abuse Survivors

At The MEND Project, we often hear stories from survivors whose emotional pain was mislabeled as abnormal behavior or unhealthy behavior. This experience has a name: pathologizing — and it causes deep, lasting harm. This ...

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emotional-abuse-quiz

Is It Emotional Abuse? Take This Confidential Quiz

Emotional abuse, especially when covert or hidden, can be difficult to name and identify. This self-assessment quiz is designed to help uncover subtle relational patterns that may be undermining your emotional safety, autonomy, and well‑being.On ...

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Mark’s Story of Narcissistic Abuse

My Story of Narcissistic Abuse and Workplace Retaliation by Mark

How has MEND helped you?I finally understand what happened to me!I not just gained clarity about what I experienced, I understand what happened to me, and I experience enormous validation from Annette's words about double ...

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Brians Story of Finding Freedom

Brian’s Story: Finding Freedom After 23 Years of Marriage

My name is Brian, and I just finished the self-paced course: Finding Clarity and Healing in Difficult, Confusing, or Abusive Relationships. I am so thankful I found this material. Reading and listening to the testimonies and ...

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Kathy’s Story: Money Was a Constant Source of Tension

Through her courage and resilience, Kathy offers an eye-opening story of emotional abuse that occurred over the course of her marriage. Her journey speaks to the quiet struggles that often go unnoticed and unspoken, especially when ...

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Disclaimer: The author of this website, The MEND Project and its founder, Annette Oltmans, takes responsibility for the presentation of the content of this website. We are not clinicians, but are researchers and desire to help you. We are not trying to vilify any gender, or any person, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, nationality etc. Our mission is to identify and clarify the single behaviors or patterns of behaviors that occur when covert abuse is present. The material on this website and the services our nonprofit offers are offered in an effort to serve all victims of abuse. © 2025 The MEND Project. All Rights Reserved.