Abused Quote by Kay Stockham
““He suddenly understood in a way and on a level he never had before why Carly was so passionate about fostering. Why she was drawn to it. He understood, but it didn’t make it any easier. Carly had never been abused and she wasn’t sucked into hell at the sight of every mark on Riley. Not like him. Staring into Riley’s gaze Liam saw clear to the kid’s battered soul and it ripped Liam’s heart out because what he saw… What he saw was like reliving his past—and getting burned—all over again.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Unseen, 2021
Liam sees a child's suffering, triggering his own past trauma, making empathy painful and overwhelming.
In simple terms: Seeing pain can revive personal trauma.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge past to help others.
Themes
trauma
empathy
pain
Mood
somber
empathetic
Type
psychological
narrative
When to use this quote
- Counseling
- support work
- personal healing
Key Concepts
Psychology
healing
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you support others without self‑harm?
- What boundaries protect your well‑being?
A Different Perspective
Empathy may re‑trigger unresolved wounds.
