I think victimization is complex. I had a recent experience where I was legitimately getting red flags from a superintendent and when I approached my family they called me a liar, gaslit me and completely (and dishonestly) reframed the story to make it sound like I was lying.

I feel like the complex relationship I had with my family set me up to dismiss my own victimization. I think that certain personality types like to victim blame, and if they view others as scapegoats or “less than” they are quick to blame and retell reality to suit their just-world view.

I went no contact and am still kind of in shock but taking sober look at how their invalidation made me vulnerable.