When Abusers Bring Their Victim to the Doctor
A patient walks in, accompanied by their partner. It is not unusual for them to be quiet, withdrawn, or hesitant to speak. The partner, however, is confident, charming, and persuasive. They tell you that their partner is ‘not themselves lately’, ‘showing worrying behaviours’, or ‘probably depressed, maybe even bipolar’. They say they’re concerned and just want their partner to get help. They may even mention delusions or paranoid beliefs…
On the surface, this may look like care and compassion. But for many victims of abuse, this is something much more sinister.