Persecutors as Protectors Part 4
(Summary) Persecutor parts in DID can seem cruel or punishing, but their behaviors often come from protective motives. In this post, we’ll look at two common reasons these parts imitate abusers: (1) trying to prevent anything that might trigger an abuser’s anger, and (2) motivating you to behave in ways that minimize punishment. Understanding these hidden intentions can help you see persecutor parts with more compassion and begin shifting their role in your system.
This is the next-to-last video in my series about protectors disguised as persecutors. If you missed the others you can click on the card on the screen to go to the first video. In this video, I want to talk about two other potential motivations for alters who imitate your abuser or abusers. These ideas are closely related but still distinct.
First, these parts are attempting to protect you from threats or imagined threats from your abusers. That is, these parts are noticing things which signal danger to them, things that they believe, based on their experiences, could cause an abuser to become angry at you and then hurt or punish you. These parts are always on the lookout for anything that might trigger your abuser. This includes your behaviors and attitudes that might bring down your abuser’s wrath.
The other motivation is the flip side of this: your perpetrator-imitating parts are attempting to protect you through minimizing punishments and abuse by motivating you to have or maintain behaviors and attitudes that your abuser wants. Pleasing your abuser or anticipating their wants can be a way of keeping you somewhat safer.
I hope you will leave a comment below. I’d like to know what you are thinking about these protector parts and whether you are starting to look at them a little differently.
In the next video I will be addressing a key factor that influences why and how your protector parts act the way they do. To make sure you don’t miss it, subscribe to this channel and turn on notifications.
Other Videos in This Series:
Persecutors as Protectors Part 5
Persecutors as Protectors Part 3
Persecutors as Protectors Part 2
Persecutors as Protectors Part 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do persecutor parts imitate abusers?
Persecutor parts copy abuser behaviors because they believe it keeps you safe. Their strategies come from childhood experiences of trying to survive in dangerous environments.
How can persecutor parts protect me by criticizing or threatening me?
They may think harsh criticism prevents you from doing something that would have triggered an abuser’s anger. To them, controlling you feels like protection.
Why would persecutor parts push me to please an abuser?
Some persecutor parts try to keep you safe by encouraging you to adopt behaviors or attitudes your abuser wanted. Pleasing the abuser reduced harm in the past.
Are persecutor parts intentionally trying to hurt me?
Usually not. Their actions feel harmful, but the intent is often protection based on outdated beliefs from childhood.
Can persecutor parts learn new roles?
Yes. With patience and guidance, persecutor parts can shift from fear-driven, abuser-imitating strategies to healthier ways of protecting your system.