Partners

If your partner was abused when they were a child you may have lots of questions and you may be wondering what to say and do to support them... well you are not alone! We are working on a resource that we hope you'll find useful - once it is written you will be able to download it here. In the meantime you may find it useful to check out the following resources:

• Book: Allies in Healing, by Laura Davis - written specifically for partners of survivors of sexual abuse. The book discusses answers to the many questions partners may be asking. It also focuses on the needs of the supporter as well as those of the survivor. If your loved one was abused in other ways than sexual then this book may still have some useful information in it - unfortunately not many resources have yet been written focusing on other forms of abuse.
• Online Forum: A forum has been created by a partner of a survivor of abuse. You may find it to be a useful place for receiving support from others who are going through similar situations: http://supportforsurvivors.groupieguide.com/#subscribe
  

We know how powerful it can be to hear from others who have been in similar situations... it helps us realise that we aren't alone. Below are some experiences from other partners of survivors and from survivors who have disclosed to their partners. They have given us permission to share their experiences to give you more insight into helpful (and unhelpful) reactions and to help you know that you are not alone.

If you would like to add your voice to those below then email experiences@napac.org.uk. Every voice counts. Please indicate clearly what name you want to be publicized (it can be anonymous if you like) and copy the following text into the email you send us: "I [insert name] give NAPAC permission to publish my experience on their website (in particular on the "Partners" section) and use it in NAPAC literature".

Supporters' Experiences

• Ian and Jan
  The experince of a husband of a survivor.

Survivors' Experiences

• Roberto
  A poem written by a survivor to his wife.