Narcissism Glossary

seeking help, then meeting blame and hurt again

🗯️ Secondary victimization is the additional emotional and social damage inflicted after the original harm — by legal and medical processes, by distorted judgments from others, by victim-blaming, by spread private details.

The precise scope used by laws and institutions varies with the situation.

Often seen in situations like these

"Why didn't you leave sooner?" — and sometimes your report travels, unpermitted, to your workplace and family.

When this happens, try this

💡 A detailed accounting is owed to no one. Go first to the people and organizations that respect your words and keep your confidence.

Type law & safety · Topic Recovery & getting help · Term Secondary Victimization · Also known as Secondary Victimization

Official sources & review information

Standard/jurisdiction United States · Last reviewed 2026.08.14

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