Betrayal Trauma Theory (BTT)

Betrayal trauma theory (BTT) is a concept originally introduced by Jennifer Freyd of the University of Oregon in 1994. Betrayal trauma results from an abuse done by someone close to the victim. If the abuser is also the one whom the victim relies on for support and survival this kind of betrayal can be unendurable and Individuals who have experienced this kind of betrayal trauma are more likely to forget the traumatic experience itself. As a defense mechanism, being unaware or dissociation from the traumatic event, known as betrayal blindness, helps the victim preserve a relationship with the perpetrator who provides the necessities for survival such as food, shelter, clothing and others.