“Psychological violence is overlooked, destructive and destroying” – Signe M. Hegestand
This personal TED talk by psychologist, Signe M. Hegestand looks at the unconscious patterns that shape our behaviour…
Signe M. Hegestand is an authorised psychologist, psychotherapist and Mindfulness Instructor. In autumn, 2019, she published a book about moving on after a psychologically abusive relationship.
“I want to raise awareness of how unconscious relationship patterns affect our love life, so that people can create healthy and loving relationships and nurturing environments for children to grow up in.”
What have you done in the hope of being loved and cared for?
“Have you gone through painful and humiliating situations where you didn’t express your limits because you were afraid of being rejected?” askes Hegestand.
“Emotional abuse is illegal by law in Denmark and Britain. But it’s very difficult to prove in a lawsuit – the only witness is the victim.”
Emotional abuse is characterised by: systematic persisting, demeaning, scornful, devaluing humiliating behaviour from your partner. They control your social life, financial decisions and manipulate you emotionally. They can be very jealous.
This results in high level of stress, anxiety and depression, and even PTSD for women.
“Some of us have a very bad starting point,” says Hegestand. “My work focusses on helping women change patterns of behaviour and how they are part of this ‘destructive dance’…”
Listen to her fascinating talk below:
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GBV Command Centre | Contact the 24-hour Gender Based Violence Command Centre toll-free number 0800 428 428 to report abuse |
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Domestic violence Helpline | Stop Women Abuse: 0800 150 150 |
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The Warrior Project | FREE legal helpline for victims of domestic abuse: 0860 333 353 |
People Opposed to Woman Abuse(Powa) | http://www.powa.co.za, Tel: 011 642 4345 |
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Tears Foundation | http://www.tears.co.za/, Free SMS helpline: *134*7355#, Tel: 010 590 5920 |
The Trauma Centre | http://www.trauma.org.za/, Tel: 021 465 7373 |
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