Local to jump to create awareness for narcissistic abuse
CRAIGHALL PARK – As a victim of this form of abuse, Roper says she wants to break free and let others know that it’s okay to leave and not feel trapped in an abusive situation.
Craighall Park resident Caitlin Roper said she was taking a leap of faith on 30 May as she jumps off the Soweto Towers.
Roper will free fall wearing a wedding dress to raise awareness for narcissistic abuse.
As a victim of this form of abuse, Roper said she wanted to break free and let others know that it was okay to leave and not feel trapped in an abusive situation.
“I feel that it’s important to raise awareness of this form of abuse because it is often a silent or invisible abuse and I think it is a more devastating abuse that causes more long-term psychological damage to the victim,” added Roper.
According to Roper, signs of a narcissistic abuser are an unrealistic sense of superiority, a constant desire for admiration, a sense of entitlement, exploitation of others, lack of empathy, intimidation, bullying, belittling, questioning of the victim’s sanity and more.
Roper said once she spoke to family and old friends, she realised that what she believed was love was in fact ownership that resembled a business transaction.
“I was just a commodity. When I started feeling guilty, worthless and blaming myself for his behaviour, I knew I had to save myself.”
She encouraged others to take back their confidence, speak to family and friends and eliminate themselves from the narcissist’s web and social circle.
Roper said while acts of gender-based violence, domestic violence and abuse against women and children were highlighted, she believed few perpetrators of narcissistic abuse were brought to book because these crimes were difficult to prove.
While the wedding dress was often associated with fairy tales and love, Roper believed that narcissism was the intentional exploitation of one’s heart, soul and mind.
“It is a malicious manipulation that is skillfully disguised with fake expressions of love, care and concern and this is why I chose to jump in a wedding dress.”
World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day takes place on 1 June.
Roper will be joining many others from across the globe as they take part in activities to raise awareness for this form of abuse.
If you are interested in joining Roper for the jump, email cdfworx@gmail.com
