Abuse Victims. Research.?

Question

I am currently working on a screenplay dealing with the subject of abuse. More specifically domestic, sexual, mental and physical abuse.

Since I am just beginning this precess I'm still trying to develop my character's mentalities. Now what I'm having a hard time grasping is what it must feel like to be the victim of abuse? I know it depends on the person and how they cope with situations and I know some of the common effects of abuse are depression, anxiety, guilt and so on. But what I'm having a hard time understanding is what all these effects would do to one's mentality?

Oh, and one more thing, can anyone recommend any books or films dealing with the subject.

Answer 1

i once watched a movie about a boy was a g*y prostitute and another boy that was convinced he had been abducted by aliens... cut along story short they had actually been raped by there little leagues coach... i cant remember the name of the film

Answer 2

Eastenders! On a more serious note, my mum was abused as a child n in adult life suffered domestic! Its affected her really bad shes been depressed for year tryed to kill herself loads of times shes got a bad anger problem n she acts imature for her age its more like im her parent its because she never realy got to have a child hood! Also its affected her relationships with the opposite s*x she finds it hard to trust people and accuses her current bf who would never hurt her a lot.  

Answer 3

I can recommend a really good book for domestic mental abuse:

"Why Does He Do That?  Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men" by Lundy Bancroft.

One major result is becoming codependent.  A good book there is:

"Codependent No More" by Melody Beattie

Both my father and soon to be ex-husband abused me mentally. If I can be of any further assistance to your research, don't hesitate to ask.  :)

Answer 4

A mentality I can describe to you: distrust in one's self, paranoia, and negative view of the world.

I've suffered emotional and physical abuse from 2 past partners. E-mail me if I can be of any help to your project.