Support

 

As victims/survivors we need support in many ways. This can be personal support as from friends, partners, non offending family, fellow survivors and counsellors. It can be informational support in terms of obtaining appropriate, clear and honest information. It can be financial support and assistance with housing, education, etc.

 

 

What is Good Support

 

Good support generally is one that is clear, honest, full, informative, non judgemental, non intrusive, empathetic, provides options, and overall assists the victim/survivor to be independent and have control over their life.

 

 

Personal Support

 

This can be personal support as from friends, partners, non offending family, doctors, fellow survivors and counsellors. Good support is being consistent, reliable, honest, empathetic, non judgemental and caring. A good supporter provides information, gives honest, caring feedback and assists the victim/survivor’s independence. Personal supporters, like ourselves and people generally, also have limitations in terms of caring and time.

 

 

Informational Support

 

This is support that provides information that is important to the victim/survivor. It maybe Social Security information, housing, welfare, counselling services, avenues of ombudsman investigation, etc. What is important is that the full information is clear, is written in everyday language (if not, ask for a translation), provides options, and is consistent.

 

 

Government Bodies

 

Victims/survivors sometimes need to deal with government bodies. These can be the ombudsman, the police, social security, housing, etc. People on Social Security, which many of us are forced to do, constantly need to work with government bodies. This can be triggering as they are government departments. What Ive found important to remember is that the fascist elite do not want Social Security in particular. They would rather us be starving and homeless because “it is their taxes that are paying for us” bullshit. So by using Social Security it is actually revenge against the fascists. There are perpetrators who work in these departments, but there are only a small number.  In dealing with government workers, I would recommend taking an open approach. If they do things that seem very odd such as conducting very lengthy and inappropriate interviews, then request a change to see someone else.

 

I have had to deal a lot with social security, the police and other government departments and have not had problems. With Social Security, I have found that I get better service by seeing a social worker or counsellor. They are generally more sympathetic than counter staff as they can take their time in explaining things and providing options.

 

With housing, travel and other forms of assistance each state differs with the amount and types. Talk to a social worker, at Social Security or a hospital, community centre, etc for the full information about what that state provides.

 

The Police and other government bodies may also be obviously triggering. If you unsure about approaching the police, ask your counsellor if s/he can go with you. Also s/he may know of a sympathetic policeperson.

 

If you feel that any of these aspects are not happening with any of your supporters, question them in clear ways. Too much anger, suspicion or aggression doesn’t work well as it means that they will be less likely to assist you. Suspicion or being reminded of past abuse isnt a clear fact that these people are perpetrators. As with all types of abuse we need to get clear facts of not being supported.

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