Dreaming of abuse can be a terrifying dream, no matter what sort of abuse you see. Many dream interpreters feel that when you dream of being abused in some way, it means that your sense of being in your waking life is violated.
But is that the only interpretation?
Let’s find out the deeper meanings hidden behind your dreams.
Dreaming of Abuse – General Interpretations
All dreams have some sort of hidden meaning and are often reflections of our waking lives.
For example, the great psychoanalysis by Sigmund Freud believed that dreams were just the mind’s way of dumping information that our brains acquired all day. So naturally, dreaming of abuse also has a lot of significance.
The dream suggests your desire to be accepted in society, or that you are being attacked in your waking life. It can also mean that your mind is currently trapped in a certain place or something in your life has been disorganized.
Let’s first explore some general interpretations to understand these dreams better.
1. You want to be accepted in society
One common general interpretation of dreaming of abuse is that you have a hidden desire to be accepted in society. Maybe others around you tend to ignore you or leave you behind, which is why you feel lonely and depressed.
2. You are being attacked
Another dream meaning of being abused in your dreams is that someone or something is attacking you in your waking life. This person or situation is not letting you rest easily, so your mind is constantly disturbed.
3. Your mind is trapped
Dreaming of being abused can also indicate that you are mentally or emotionally trapped in a certain dark place in your real life. No matter what you try to do, you can’t get your mind to focus on getting out of that darkness.
4. Your life is messy right now
One more dream interpretation is that your life is disorganized at the moment. It can be literally disorganized or you might feel that things in your life can be better. For example, maybe right now you don’t have a stable job, plus you have frequent fights with your partner.
5. You need to take more control of your life
Your subconscious mind wants to take back control over your life. This is especially true if you are pinned down in your dreams and there’s nowhere for you to go.
Dreams about Abuse – 35 Types and Interpretations
Did you know that dreaming of physical abuse can mean that there is a conflict with that person in your waking life, while hitting a wall in your dreams means that someone is forcing you to do something against your wishes?
Even the slightest changes in your dream types can have completely different meanings. Let’s explore a few to find out what your dream means.
1. Dream of child getting abused
If you see someone’s child being abused by someone, it indicates that you feel extremely insecure in your real life.
If you have experienced emotions like anger or defiance recently, this can be a strong indication as to why you are dreaming of child abuse.
2. Dreaming of physical abuse
Physical abuse in your dreams shows your desire to get justice or revenge on someone. Maybe somebody close to you has mistreated you constantly, so you’re tired of their behavior. Now you want them to pay.
3. Dream of your own child getting abused
If your own son or daughter gets abused in your dreams, that can be horrific for you. But don’t worry because it’s just a dream. It symbolizes your wish to protect your family and to keep them away from any harm.
4. Dreaming of sexual abuse
If you see yourself being sexually abused by someone, it can be a reflection of your strained relationship with your family members, most notably your parents. In other words, the intensity of these nightmares can reflect your waking life.
5. Dream of being abused by stranger
If a stranger is abusing you in your dreams, it means that you have difficulties in building attachments with others around you. But more often than not, this dream can mean something very insignificant or have no importance at all.
6. Dream of being abused by known person
When a known person attacks or abuses you, it indicates that you feel neglected by that person, especially if the abuser is inflicting some sort of sexual abuse on you. This dream acts as a guide to what you can actually expect from that person in your waking life.
7. Dream of abuse repeatedly
If you keep having the same dreams of being abused again and again, it indicates that you are currently undergoing some behavioral, cognitive, or emotional problem. Your mind is asking you to seek therapy as soon as possible.
8. Dream of domestic violence
Being abused in your own home by your spouse or partner means that you seek comfort in something. You might experience a roller coaster of emotions during this dream, which is your mind’s way of telling you to resolve issues.
9. Dream of being abused as a child
If you see yourself being abused as a child, it means that something has been making you greatly uncomfortable in your waking life. You are trying to get yourself out of that situation but there hasn’t been any luck lately.
10. Dream of annoying the abuser
Seeing yourself annoying or irritating your abuser means that there are real-life enemies who are working against you. You may or may not know them personally but it’s important to find out who those people are.
11. Dream of cunning abuser
If the abuser in your dream is very sly or cunning, it reflects positive things. This dream means that you will welcome new friendships in life. Alternatively, it can also mean that you will use your own methods to succeed in life.
12. Dream of being offended by abuser
In your dreams, if you are upset or offended by your abuser, it indicates your attempts to justify yourself in front of others. Maybe you did something wrong but you’re not able to see it, so you try to explain that you are right.
13. Dream of being abused
If you are being bullied by someone in your dreams, it is actually a good sign. It means that you will succeed in life and do well. Your professional life will be blessed and you will overcome all hurdles in your work.
14. Dream of abusing someone by bullying
If, on the other hand, you are the bully who is abusing someone, it means that you are loved and well sought-after. You have a positive and uplifting personality which makes others around you happy.
15. Dream of being abandoned by abuser
If your abuser abandons you in your dreams, it shows that you will face difficulties while planning your future. Someone or something is stopping you from thinking ahead and hampering your critical thinking abilities.
16. Dream of abandoning someone due to abuse
In your dreams, if you abandon your abuser, it symbolizes that you will have distressing situations in the near future. In order to solve these problems, you should think about how to approach your loved ones for help.
17. Dream of being abused with weapon
Any dream involving a weapon of some sort is a sign to approach things with a lot of caution. If your abuser holds a weapon against you, no matter how small, it is a sign from your mind to rethink how others are treating you.
18. Dream of abuser being obsessed with success
In your dreams, if your abuser is obsessed with fantasies of unlimited fame, success, or power, it indicates that there will be impending doom or sadness in your life. Something heartbreaking will happen to you soon.
19. Dream of being abused at work
When your co-workers are abusive towards you in your dreams, it denotes that new opportunities are ahead. Alternatively, it can also mean that no matter how much someone tries to change you, they won’t be able to do so.
20. Dream of animal abuse
Seeing animal abuse in your dream is definitely not a pleasant sign. For example, if your domestic pet was being abused by someone, it means that the person is trying to impress you in your waking life but will cause you a small misfortune.
21. Dream of emotional abuse
Emotional abuse can often be very tough to detect. In the dream realm, it indicates that something is haunting you emotionally in real life. Maybe someone is constantly trying to manipulate you or is mistreating you. Your inner voice is asking you to escape.
22. Dream of abusing someone
If you are the abuser in your dreams, it does not necessarily mean that you are a bad person in your waking life. It actually shows that you are being too hard on someone else. Maybe it’s your subordinate at work, whom you’re burdening.
23. Dream of especially cruel abuse
In your dreams, if the abuser did something extremely cruel to you or to someone else, it indicates that you are losing your life energy and moral strength. There are hostile people in your waking life who are draining you out.
24. Dream of single episode of abuse
Seeing only one episode of abuse or misconduct can be a reflection of injustice and exploitation. Your subconscious mind is telling you that there are all sorts of wrong things happening around you, so you must be aware.
25. Dream of violence with another person
This dream shows that you will put all your responsibility on someone else and make them work very hard but when the time comes, you will not be punished in any way. In other words, you’ll get away with what you have done.
26. Dream of abuse in form of murder
An abusive dream where you witness a murder or you see that someone is trying to murder you is a very bad omen. It means that your quality of life is slowly decaying. Alternatively, it can also mean that you’ll be forced to take part in a crime.
27. Dream of abuse in form of abduction
If you see yourself being abducted by someone or you see someone abducting another person, it indicates that an important situation will be resolved without your help. You will be missing from the discussion.
28. Dream of being abused by moral pressure
A dream where someone is constantly trying to scare you by pressuring you into doing immoral acts is a sign from your mind to think about your capabilities. You are much stronger than you think, and with enough strength, you will be able to succeed.
29. Dream of running away from abuser
Even though running away from your abuser can be good in your waking life, in the dream realm, it shows that you tend to literally run away from all your problems. You avoid taking responsibilities at all costs.
30. Dream of family being abused
If an evil person is trying to abuse your family members in your dreams, it indicates that you will be under the submission of someone very bad in your real life. Perhaps you’ll be forced to do it or you won’t realize how horrible that person is until it’s too late.
31. Dream of being verbally abused
If someone is verbally abusing you in any way in your dreams, it is a symbol that you are being victimized in a complicated situation. Someone is purposely trying to frame you for something you haven’t done.
32. Dream of verbally abusing someone
On the other hand, if it’s you who is constantly abusing or saying foul things to someone, it indicates that you have trouble trying to approach that person in real life. Maybe there are communication problems between you both.
33. Dream of gangster abusing you
Seeing a mob of gangsters physically beating you up or abusing you in any way is a sign that you will soon receive news about your partner cheating on you. This news will break your heart but will also let you know that it’s time to break up with them.
34. Dream of avoiding abuse
If somehow, you’re able to avoid being abused by someone, it means that good things will soon come your way. You will earn a lot of respect from your peers and you shall also witness revenue growth in your office.
35. Dream of abuse by humiliation
If someone is humiliating or insulting you and you feel abused by their presence, it indicates positive changes. Good things will soon happen to you but first, you need to work hard for them and be as patient as possible.
Spiritual interpretation of dreaming of abuse
Spiritually, dreaming of abuse is a wake-up call from your spirit guide. It is telling you to open up and forgive yourself for your past mistakes. All of us can learn to become a better person if we move on from the past.
Psychological interpretation of dreaming of abuse
Frequent dreams of being abused or abusing someone else shows your hostility towards others. You lack appreciation for people as well as yourself. Abuse can also point towards unhealthy patterns like lack of self-confidence, guilt, or depression.
Questions to ask yourself to interpret dreams of abuse correctly
If you suddenly jerk up from a nightmare where you saw yourself being abused in some way, it can really put a pressure on your brain. You might be desperate to find out the meanings of these dreams.
To help you out, here are some questions to recollect the events of your dreams.
1. How frequently do you dream of abuse?
2. What emotions do you feel while having these dreams?
3. In your dreams, is the abuser a known person?
4. Have you ever dreamed of yourself abusing someone else?
5. Have you ever been abused by multiple people in your dreams?
6. Did you manage to escape your abusers in your dreams?
7. What kind of abuse do you dream of?
8. Did you ever dream of an animal being abused?
9. Did you ever dream of a family member or loved one being abused?
10. Have you ever been abused by a weapon in your dreams?
A word from ThePleasantDream
Dreaming of abuse is nothing short of a horrible nightmare. But the important thing to remember is that these are just dreams. Your brain is trying to tell you important messages about your current life so that you can wake up and take action.
If you get dreams being slapped then check its meaning here.
