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    • Types of Abuse
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    • 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.

signs of a narcissistic parent

How to Spot a Narcissistic Parent

When a parent chooses to put themselves at the center of attention, forcing everyone and everything to orbit around them, this can be considered

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Stuarts Story

Stuart’s Story Of Narcissistic Abuse By His Mother

Often, children of narcissistic parents turn to substance abuse as a way to numb the pain caused by their parents. This becomes evident as

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what-to-say-to-victims-of-abuse

A Guide on What to Say (and Not Say) to Victims of Abuse

What do I say when someone I know shares their experience of abuse with me? This is an important question that we are going to

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One Man's Battle Against Domestic Abuse

Unveiling the Truth: One Man’s Battle Against Domestic Abuse

Men can be victims of abuse. This is what Craig’s story reminds us. Like women, they find themselves in sexually, emotionally, or physically abusive relationships. But coming

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why-partners-who-catastrophize-are-abusive

Why Partners Who Catastrophize Are Abusive

How is catastrophizing in relationships abusive? At first glance, this behavior may not seem very harmful. Yet victims experience negative personal and relational effects because

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Covert bullying

Unveiling Covert Bullying: Understanding its Hidden Tactics

Have you been the victim of covert bullying? In the realm of adult interactions, bullying doesn't always manifest in overt displays of aggression. Often, it lurks

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I Was Never Heard – By “Brooke” | The Mend Project

I Was Never Heard - By “Brooke” | The MEND Project In this survivor of domestic violence story written by a brave soul who we

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Child Abuse from the Eyes of a Foster Advocate

This is the story of one child's journey through the foster care system. As you read the experiences of this child who survived abuse,

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how-victims-experience-secondary-abuse

How Victims Experience Secondary Abuse

Secondary abuse is when victims of abuse are inadvertently or intentionally mistreated by the people they trusted with their story. In this post, we're going

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emotional-entitlement

A Guide to Navigating Entitlement in Relationships

Have you ever asked your partner to stop doing something you’re uncomfortable with? For example, he won’t stop photographing you in your bathing suit. Or

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Power and control wheel

Power and Control Wheel as a Tool for Recognizing Abuse

Abuse is so confusing it can be hard to put into words. What seems like a simple conflict to work through can become muddled and

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Books That Educate on Abuse

Education is the first step toward gaining the clarity needed to recognize abuse, empower those affected, and encourage others to find safe spaces to

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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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Stories Of Healing

Abuse Survivor Stories

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MEND Frameworks

What is Original Abuse?

What is Double Abuse ®?

MEND’s Terms & Definitions

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Help & Information

If you are in immediate danger contact the national hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) or call 911.

Problems With Couples Therapy

How to Screen a Therapist

How to Safely Leave an Abusive Relationship

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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.