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  • Healing From Abuse
  • Help Someone Being Abused
  • Training + Curriculum
  • Tools + Resources
    • Blog
    • Types of Abuse
    • Abuse Recovery Stories
    • Finding Clarity And Healing Course
    • CE Course
    • MEND’s Terms-Definitions and Other Free Tools
  • Free Monthly Workshops

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.

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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A-Story-of-Survival-and-Overcoming

A Story of Survival and Overcoming, by Lyn

Lyn’s story demonstrates beautifully the path from victim, to survivor, to heroine. Please remember, it is not always easy to hear about the abuse

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Institutional-abuse-in-the-church

Institutional Abuse in “The Church”

We hear of and see Institutional Abuse happening over and over again, notably and repeatedly within churches across our country. One of the challenges

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From-Darkness-to-Dawn_AdaJourney

From Darkness to Dawn: Ada’s Journey

'There will be joy in the morning,’ she said as she prayed for me one day. 'Joy in the morning.' After the pain, hurt,

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Emotional Abuse from Parents

5 Emotionally Abusive Mistakes That Some ‘Good’ Parents Make

The vast majority of parents want to parent well. If they knew that their words or actions were harming their children or even causing

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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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emotional abuse

Recognizing and Overcoming Emotional Abuse: A Path to Freedom, and Empowerment

Emotional abuse can be difficult to identify, as it often doesn’t leave visible scars. However, its impact on mental and emotional well-being can be profound and lasting.In this guide, we’ll break down the complexities of ...

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emotional abuse confusion

How Emotional Abuse Creates a Maze of Confusion

Have you ever been in a conversation where you feel things are getting off-topic or out of control, but you can’t figure out how it happened or why?  Or, maybe you’ve attempted to raise a ...

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Narcissistic Parents

Adult Children of Narcissistic Parents: What Happens After They Grow Up

The Lasting Impact of Growing Up with a Narcissistic Parent It’s difficult to fully comprehend the impact of a narcissistic parent on a child.  Children of narcissistic parents experience recurring trauma  that leads to interrupted brain development ...

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how to tell your story of abuse

How to Share Your Story of Abuse and How it Helps You to Heal

Sharing your story—publicly or privately—is a significant step in the healing journey for any survivor. Some prefer to share their story with one or two trusted people. Others may want to share it with groups of ...

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Stories Of Healing

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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.