Advice & Information to Help you through the Healing Process

Your Assertive Rights

Sometimes we lose touch with what is our right, whether it is okay to say 'no', and what behaviour is okay.  The list below has helped some survivors to feel okay about asserting their rights.

I have the right to be treated with respect as an equal human being

I have the right to deal with others, without being dependent on them for approval

I have the right to be myself and to take responsibility for the consequences of my own behaviour

I have the right to choose whether or not to get involved in the problems of someone else

I have the right to my own feelings and opinions

I have the right to my own needs and wants as a person, independent of any roles I may assume in my life (wife, mother, friend, etc)

I have the right to say 'yes' or 'no' for myself

I have the right to ask for what I want (but I realise the other person has the right to say 'no')

I have the right to be successful

I have the right for privacy

I have the right to be alone and independent

I have the right to 'be human' and say 'I don't understand', and to ask for more information

I have the right to change my mind

I have the right to make mistakes

I have the right to change

I have the right to behave assertively

I have the right to not assert myself if I choose

I have the right to be an individual