Susan Brewster

“The abuse experience might have made her suspicious of anyone wanting to help and support her. Her abusive partner probably twisted the concept of trust in such a way as to shatter her willingness to trust others. It might be hard for her to fathom that an anchor has no agenda except to care about her. However, it is the very process of learning to trust her anchor which can help an abused woman. Through that relationship she can be reminded what real trust is, who is trustworthy, and how to trust someone again or for the first time.”
― Susan Brewster, To Be An Anchor in the Storm: A Guide for Families and Friends of Abused Women

“If an abused woman can see and hear the different sides of herself, she can begin to make decisions about who she wants to be. If she chooses her inner self, as opposed to the self which has been defined by her partner, she is on her way toward rediscovering her inherent personality. Through this process of rediscovery she can unlock her own power to make changes in her life. Tapping into this internal power is the only way she will be able to create a life safe and free from an abusive partner. This is the role you choose when you choose to become an anchor.”
― Susan Brewster, To Be An Anchor in the Storm: A Guide for Families and Friends of Abused Women