Trauma Bonding is Abuse

What is trauma bonding?

When abused person forms the attachment to their abuser and feels for their abuser, this is called trauma bonding. This bonding is usually cyclical. After the abuse, the abuser professes love and regret, promising to meet the needs of the abused person. Since abused person has feelings for the abuser, leaving an abusive relationship is confusing.

There are many types of abusive situations in which trauma bonding can occur. Here are some examples: domestic abuse, incest, kidnapping, sexual abuse, cults and elderly abuser.

It may be difficult to understand how someone in such a terrible situation like one of the above could have feelings of love, dependence, or concern for the person or people abusing them.

The bond forms out of the basic human need for attachment as a means of survival. From there, an abuse victim may become dependent on their abuse.

There are several different types of abuse that may affect older adults. Here are the three types of elder abuse commonly used by caregivers.

Verbal and mental: This type of abuse is by using intimidation, humiliation or threats to control another person, as well as yelling, name-calling and verbal insults.

Financial or property: This type of abuse involves taking or misusing someone’s money or his belongings without the individual’s permission. It can also include coercion of the person so that he agrees to give someone money but only because he is placed under pressure to do so by someone.
Financial challenges also can arise when elderly person frequently gives money away to people who are dishonest.

Involuntary seclusion: This kind of abuse involves restricting the individual’s freedom to interact with others for extended periods of time against their will. If the person can identify and understand the risks and benefits of their choices, they likely still have the right to make a decision that caregiver might feel is unwise.

How to protect yourself or your elder from becoming a victim of abuse? Make sure you get your most important documents ready. Contact me about power of attorney and medical care directives.

Debbie Sinno | Arizona Legal Document Preparation | anthemparalegal.com — Debbie Sinno, Certified AZLDP Legal Document Preparer Certified & Licensed by the State of Arizona [Arizona Codes of Judicial Administration §7-208 and §7-201]

Knowing specific Arizona Law takes years of education & study to follow the correct and accurate Statutes of Law when preparing legal documents in Arizona. I follow Arizona Statutes of Law by maintaining required business licensing & continuing education for legal document preparation.

I am Certified & Licensed with the Arizona Supreme Court to prepare legal documents in the State of Arizona. I have an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies from the Accredited American Institute of Paralegal Studies with an emphasis on Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

I stand by my quality and professionalism in the preparation of your legal documents. You can be assured that your information will be kept confidential and your paperwork will be accurate & complete. I am also a State of Arizona Notary, making frequent trips to the Courts for filing, so your legal docs will be done quickly & efficiently.

If you have any questions, just call!

~ Debbie Sinno