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The Vertigo of the Ulsterpersons


May 2nd, 2009

Identifying the Predator: Spiritual, Financial, and Sexual Abusers @ 02:48 am


As some of you know, I've been involved for decades now in trying to do something about predators in our communities. And as some of you also know, one of the reasons I do it is that I, and some of those I love, have been harmed by predators. All of these guys initially seemed kind, soft-spoken, spiritual and loving. Until they... weren't. They all waited until we loved them to harm us, until we were committed to the relationship and invested in "making it work," and the abuse always happened behind closed doors. Once the honeymoon was over, life with them became hell. The reason they were able to fool us long enough to gain our love and trust and then hurt us is because they are skilled at it; it's what they do. If they weren't good at it, they would have moved on to another sort of con game by now. Hopefully this information will help those who may have been victimized. Even better, maybe it will help someone spot a predator before they have a chance to harm them. I'm not sure if there's anything more devastating than having someone you love assault you. I hope no one reading this ever has to go through it.
 
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Comments

 
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From:[info]aeneas_atavus
Date: May 3rd, 2009 12:20 am (UTC)
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This is very informative. There are so many people looking for spiritual guidance and end up being victimized or exploited in their search for a spiritual path. I feel thankful that I found my godfather and my spiritual brothers and sisters who have been nothing but the best. However I do know people who were victimized financially and in some cases sexually by spiritual predators.
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From:[info]caitriona_nnc
Date: May 3rd, 2009 01:07 am (UTC)
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I am glad you found some good people at the start. So many people don't. I've seen a number of people get badly used and abused.

I got through most of my life being the one who rescued others. I'm ashamed to admit it now, but I guess I really did see myself as too smart and savvy, too jaded and prepared, to be taken in... and I think that arrogance blinded me to the ways in which I was still vulnerable to a specific type of predator.

Well, if believing a pathological liar and trying to help someone who asks for help is "being vulnerable"... but yeah, I guess it is. I wanted so much to be helpful that I didn't pay enough attention to the red flags when they popped up. Trying to help obviously wounded people who turn up in our lives shouldn't make us prey for predators, but sadly, it all too often does. But I think if I had read all of this before it happened to me, I could have cut it off before it got so bad.

Yet another reason why we need strong communities. If I hadn't had friends and family to help get me out, I don't know what would have happened.

Banrigh na Boogie

The Vertigo of the Ulsterpersons