Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse involves attempts to frighten, control, or isolate you. This type of abuse doesn’t involve physical violence, though it might involve threats of violence directed toward you or your loved ones. It’s characterized by a person’s words, actions, and the consistency of these behaviors. Emotional abuse is also a foundation for other forms of abuse.
Often, it is used to erode a person’s self-esteem and self-worth and create a psychological dependency on the abusive partner. When emotional abuse is severe and ongoing, you can lose your entire sense of self. Over time, the accusations, verbal abuse, name-calling, criticisms, and gaslighting can erode your sense of self so much that you can no longer see yourself realistically.
There might not be any obvious physical signs of emotional abuse or neglect. And a child might not tell anyone what's happening until they reach a 'crisis point'. That's why it's important to look out for signs in how a child is acting.
Gordon, S. (2022). Identify and cope with emotional abuse. Verywell Mind. Retrieved from https://shorturl.at/8HwHw
Pietrangelo, A., & Raypole, C. (2023). Signs of mental abuse: What is emotional abuse? Healthline. Retrieved from https://shorturl.at/k2uRA
National Domestic Violence Hotline. (2024). What is emotional abuse? The Hotline. Retrieved from https://shorturl.at/UlqgZ
NSPCC. (n.d.). Emotional abuse: Signs, indicators and effects. NSPCC. Retrieved from https://shorturl.at/3t5F2