Abuse occurs when a person or group of people use aggressive words or behavior in an attempt to punish or control another person. Physical abuse is characterized by behaviors like hitting, pushing or kicking. Mental abuse, also known as verbal or emotional abuse, involves the use of verbal aggression and often leads to physical abuse. Learning to recognize the signs of mental and physical abuse is an important step in preventing lasting emotional damage, injury or death.
Types
Both mental and physical abuse can occur in a variety of settings. Abuse within romantic relationships, in the workplace, at school, or between a parent and child are among the most common types. Domestic violence is more likely to occur in romantic relationships, while bullying or teasing is most common in school or work settings.
Characteristics
Mental abuse is characterized by name-calling, cursing, yelling, and verbal threats of violence or revenge. Emotional manipulation through guilt or degrading comments is a common tactic among mental abusers, though it may not be identified as abuse due to its widespread nature.
Physical abuse involves forceful or aggressive physical contact, such as shoving, slapping, punching or shaking another person. Physical abuse may overlap with sexual abuse in cases of rape and other violent crimes and can sometimes escalate to dangerous levels, resulting in death or permanent injury.
Effects
Both physical and mental abuse can have lasting emotional effects. According to ScienceDaily, people who are mentally abused as children are twice as likely as nonabused individuals to suffer from mood disorders like anxiety and depression as adults.
Signs of physical abuse are often temporary and may include bruises, burns, cuts and broken bones. Physical abuse in any context can lead to poor self-esteem, lack of trust and persistent emotional trauma.
Treatments
In the case of mental and physical abuse, both the abuser and the victim should seek professional help to deal with complex emotional issues that lead up to the behavior. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, prompt psychiatric evaluation and treatment can help prevent lasting emotional damage in children who have suffered mental or physical abuse.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy in conjunction with medications to treat underlying mental disorders can help heal the damage caused by abuse in both children and adults. Verbal and physical abusers may benefit from anger management training or other forms of rehabilitation. In any case, leaving the situation temporarily, if possible, is advised.
Warning
If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, seek help immediately. Child protective services, law enforcement and other agencies can offer immediate aid and help provide lasting solutions to the situation.
