Persecutors as Protectors Part 5
(Summary) Protector parts in DID can sometimes look and sound like past abusers. Their words and actions may feel harsh, punishing, or even cruel. But beneath that behavior lies an intention: to protect you. These parts often remain stuck in the past, still believing you are a child in danger. This post explores why protector parts act the way they do, how their strategies made sense in childhood, and how you can begin teaching them healthier ways to help in the present.
In the first four videos of this series, I talked about the possible motivations driving your protector parts that seem to imitate your abusers. Their intentions are good but the ways they put those intentions into action are misguided and certainly aren’t experienced by you as being well-intentioned.
Okay, you say, I can see how that might have helped while I was a kid, but I’m an adult now. How is this alter supposed to be helping me now? And that’s a really good question! The answer is that while you are an adult, it is highly likely that your protector parts are not. They are likely still operating from the belief that you are still a child living in that traumatic place. You have grown up, but they are still living in the past and experiencing it as real. While you may understand that your abusers can no longer hurt you, your younger protector parts don’t know this. They see you taking risks that are going to get you hurt and so they are working overtime trying to stop you and protect you. And when you ignore them, they do the only thing they know how to do: double down on the abuse and meanness. Remember, it’s the only way they know to be at this point.
So what do you think about your protector parts after watching this series? Leave a comment below and I will respond. I hope this series has helped you understand your protector parts better. And even though you very understandably do not like the ways in which they are trying to help, I hope you are able to begin to appreciate that they do want to help. It will be up to you to teach those alters how they can help you more effectively, and that is something that we address over at CommuniDID.
Other Videos in This Series:
Persecutors as Protectors Part 4
Persecutors as Protectors Part 3
Persecutors as Protectors Part 2
Persecutors as Protectors Part 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some protector parts act like abusers?
Protector parts imitate abusers because that was the only survival strategy they knew in childhood. Harshness or meanness felt like protection when you were in danger.
Do protector parts realize I’m an adult now?
Often, no. Many protector parts remain stuck in the past, still believing you’re a child in danger. They don’t yet understand that your abusers can no longer harm you.
Why do protector parts get harsher when I ignore them?
When protector parts feel unheard, they double down on old strategies—like threats or criticism—because it’s the only way they know to keep you safe.
How can I work with protector parts that scare or upset me?
Start by recognizing their protective intent, even if the method they use is painful. Over time, you can teach them safer, healthier ways to support you.
Is it possible to change how protector parts help me?
Yes. With patience and consistency, protector parts can learn new strategies. Therapy and system communication can help them shift from fear-driven protection to present-day support.