Are You a Victim of Narcissistic Abuse?

If you have found your way to our website, chances are you have been feeling sad, hopeless, scared and/or confused about your relationship. Maybe you have talked to your friends or family about your fears. Maybe you have done some on-line research, or read some blogs, or books about the behaviors you have seen in your partner. Perhaps you have heard the term narcissist or Narcissistic Personality Disorder and have learned enough that you are starting to wonder if your partner is in fact, a narcissist. However, you found your way here or whatever stage you are in with your recovery, at the Center for Hope we are here to help you through the recovery process.

While a label or formal diagnosis of your partner may feel important to you in your search for answers, it is not the most important thing. The most important thing is that you are able to begin to set boundaries, detach from the unhealthy relationship you are in, protect yourself (and your children) from further abuse, and ultimately, to start to heal from the devastating affects of severe and persistent emotional abuse.

You may be wondering if you even are a victim of abuse. It is a common thing for people who have been in relationships with Cluster B ’s to deny, minimize, rationalize, and excuse behaviors that once you start to understand the Cycle of Abuse, you begin to understand what has happened to you. The Cycle of Abuse involves a clear pattern of Idealization, Devaluation and Discard. When you begin to see and understand the cycle, it is the first step toward your healing.

Please read our self-evaluation assessment in the next section. There are 10 questions under each part of the cycle you can ask yourself to determine if you have been enmeshed in this cycle of abuse with your partner. At the Center for Hope we are committed to providing education and support as you begin your journey from victim to survivor.

**Narcissistic Abuse affects all genders and communities. The Center for Hope, WNY provides support, education and advocacy for all.