Is wanting validation that what happened to you was wrong the same thing as wanting sympathy?

I used to have the desire to be rescued, but as I have gotten older I hate the loss of control over myself and my life that being rescued would cost me. I see sympathy as being a pitiable creature... I do not want to be pitied. At the same time there are some people that seem to think it is ok to treat me anyway they like, and sometimes I feel the need for validation that what I have been through was wrong and undeserved.

I suppose I wonder if this need for validation that what happened to me as being wrong is a search for pity. I know logically that it was wrong, and some of the behavior that is going on is still wrong...