Abusive relationships often begin with insults and threats and escalate to physical injury. Women who are verbally abused often suffer from low self-esteem, have little self-confidence and may feel that they deserve poor treatment or have caused it. Verbal abuse can take many forms and includes constant criticism and put-downs, yelling and threats. If you are being abused or are afraid that someone you know is being abused, it is important to get help. Anyone can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline anonymously for free help and referral information.
Criticism
Constant criticism, even if done in a normal tone of voice, is a form of verbal abuse in which the abuser attempts to control his spouse by making negative comments repeatedly or disapproving of what she does. The University of Illinois Counseling Center advises that criticism is a form of aggressive abuse that may be disguised as "helping." The husband may critique everything his wife cooks or may criticize everything she wears in the guise of wanting to help her improve her cooking or looks.
Yelling or Screaming
Verbal abuse, in the form of giving orders or insulting, functions to keep the spouse under the abuser's control. Yelling or screaming can make the spouse feel powerless and afraid, so much so that she stays with him even if she wants to leave. Eventually, the abuser's victim may, indeed, feel like she's stupid, crazy, inept or unattractive.
Threats
Making threats is a form of verbal abuse. An abuser may threaten to withhold money or affection if his wife does not comply with his wishes. He may threaten to harm or even kill his wife, according to Helpguide. The abuser may also threaten to kill himself.
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