How to Be a Friend to an Abuse Survivor

When someone offers to share with you about their experience of abuse, it’s like they’re standing in the middle of a trashed room, furniture smashed, paint peeling everywhere, shit smeared on the walls.

They open the door and now they’re standing there waiting.

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You, the listener, have several options.

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Lawyer. Author, “Afraid of the Doctor: Every Parent’s Guide to Preventing and Managing Medical Trauma.” Find me at melissajhogan.com

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Melissa J. Hogan

Lawyer. Author, “Afraid of the Doctor: Every Parent’s Guide to Preventing and Managing Medical Trauma.” Find me at