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Accept the fact of the abuse. Find help dealing with it.
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The emergency stage-deal with memories.
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Remember-try to remember as far back as you can.
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Believe it happened-don't doubt yourself.
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Trust yourself-listen to your own inner voice.
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Grieve and mourn-grieving is a way to honor your pain.
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Feel anger, the backbone of healing-direct your anger at the abuser.
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Confront your battered parent. This is not advised for every family,
but it can be a dramatic release and a healing tool.
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Forgive. Forgiving the abuser is not an essential part of the
healing process, but it is recommended. Do forgive yourself and your
battered parent.
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Seek spirituality through religion. Having a sense of a power
greater than yourself can help in the healing process.
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Make resolutions and move on-come to terms with your battered parent
and your abuser parent. While you can't go back and change your life
history, you can make lasting changes in your life and gain the
power to work through your feelings.