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support circle
things to remember
supporting a loved one who has been subjected to sexual violence & abuse can be a rewarding experience. however, they may be times when it becomes challenging. here are some things to remember when the going gets tough:
1. you are only human
you are wonderful just the way you are. there may be days when you feel fulfilled with the support you have offered us but there may be other days when things get difficult & frustrating. you are allowed to fall off track & make mistakes. that's part of being human. if you unintentionally upset us or don't know what to say, please have compassion for yourself. you are more than enough
2. your feelings & emotions have value & intelligence
the way you feel about something, someone or a certain situation is completely valid. feelings & emotions give you information about what is going on & drive you to make decisions based on how you feel. all emotions, even the painful & angry ones, have value & intelligence. no feelings are wrong or stupid because they are all part of being human. you have the right to feel & openly express your emotions.
3. you are allowed to change your mind
as you become a part of our support circle, circumstances can change. this is a totally normal part of life. you may find that you are no longer able to support us in the same way as you were before. this is absolutely fine. make sure you communicate this to us & set new boundaries. as human beings, were are constantly evolving & growing. this means that our wants, needs & priorities may constantly change.
4. you should only do what you are able & willing to do
we all want our support circle to feel happy, empowered & fulfilled whilst being there for us. the key to doing this is to set clear boundaries & have an awareness of what your wants & needs are. make sure you are only doing what you can & what you want to do for us. this prevents resentment & burn-out. by doing this, you are creating a secure, safe & supportive relationship that encourages us to take responsibility for our healing.
5. you are loved, valued & celebrated
we cannot express how grateful we are that you have chosen to be part of our support circle. we feel truly touched to know that you are there for us & this empowers us to move forward in our healing journey. your kindness will never be forgotten. your generosity and care will always be values & celebrated. you are always loved- never forget that!
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