Survivors' Rights

	I have the right to ask the questions I need to ask.
	I have the right to comfort and understanding.
	I have the right to lessen my sense of self-blame.
	I have a right to self-forgiveness.
	I have a right to "get through this" (even if I believe I'll never get through this).
	I have a right to express anger toward the perpetrator for robbing me of understanding "why."
	I have a right to grieve as I need in the time frame I need.
	I have a right to ignore others' time frame of an acceptable mourning period for me.
	I have a right to be alive.
	I have a right to peace and calm in my spirit, mind, and heart again.
	I have a right to embrace life again, to laugh and sing, and cry, and hold memories dear once more.

Booklist (includes titles of books on spiritual and emotional abuse)