Emotional (or psychological) abuse involves any verbal or non-verbal behavior that negatively impacts another person's emotional or psychological well-being. Often, emotional abuse involves:
Continual criticism, name-calling, and shouting.
Insults and the alienation of friends and family.
Humiliation in public and/or private places.
Preventing work, controlling finances, and doing all the decision-making.
Refusal to work for or share money.
Taking car keys, money, or other personal property without permission.
Regular threats of leaving or forcing you to leave.
Threats of kidnapping children and/or killing family pets.
Manipulation using lies and contradictions.
Behaving in threatening manners, including body language and facial expressions.
Refusal (or insistence on being the only person) to socialize with you.
Ignores your feelings, thoughts, or statements.
Threatening to harm themselves or commit suicide.
Am I Emotionally or Verbally Abused?
People who are abused often:
Wonder if they are 'crazy'.
Are afraid to voice feelings or opinions.
Are afraid of catching their partner in 'a bad mood'.
Fear socializing and being with other people.
Have feelings of powerlessness, worthlessness, and depression.
Notice negative changes to the behavior of children in the home. (i.e. withdrawn, aggressive, plummeting grades, moodiness, etc.)
Feel trapped in their home, situation, or relationships.
