Hi Smile, I'm sorry you experienced abuse, and so glad you were able to get out with your self intact. You wrote: "I may be the exception, but I was weakened by helplessness. I was empowered by responsibility for my own actions. I am not a victim." Yes, yes, yes! Something inherent in the victim status is "learned helplessness" which is a condition I developed. And, it was counseling that helped me to understand responsiblity for myself and my actions. LLL