I would like everyone to be safe, but sometimes survivors who have been abused need to be especially cautious, because of a tendency to expect abuse and not watch out for it.  This may be especially true for incest survivors.

Right now, look around yourself and check that you are physically, emotionally, and interpersonally safe.  If you are not safe, problem-solve.  Where does the danger lie and what can you do about it?  Then do it. Remember, denial is the bugaboo.  Safety concerns might include birth control, protection from STDS, abuse of substances, illegal activities such as shoplifting and DUI’s, an unsafe living arrangement, acquaintances that have a toxic effect on you,  impulsive behaviors–yours and theirs–frequenting unsafe places, etc.

Many survivors find themselves in unsafe relationships which they do not see as abusive because of their past. Ask yourself if you  are being respected, listened to, and free of physical and emotional abuse. (Emotional abuse includes being called abusive names).  All of us incest survivors were trapped in the abuse earlier, for which we were not responsible. We are responsible now if we allow ourselves to be further abused in any way.