Verbal abuse has a number of long-term health and psychological consequences. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists depression, anxiety, emotional detachment and damaged self-esteem as just a few of the negative effects. A study about intimate partner abuse published in a 2009 issue of "Journal of Family Violence" found that verbal abuse can escalate to physical violence. If you are in a verbally abusive relationship, seek help immediately.
Belittling
Violence Intervention Services at the University of Northern Iowa warns that you are in an abusive relationship if your partner constantly belittles and demeans you. An abusive partner may call you names or tell you that you're unworthy. Comments such as, "No one else will love you," or "I'm the only one who cares about you," are common. An abuser often puts down your accomplishments, making you feel as though nothing you do is right or good enough. Any repetitive criticism or insults that damage your self-esteem and confidence is considered abusive.
Threatening
Verbal abuse includes making threats against you, your children, friends, family members or pets. Threats can be sexual, physical or psychological. An abuser may threaten to withhold money, food or shelter if you don't comply with his demands. Yelling or screaming at you is another form of threatening behavior.
In addition to threatening you and your loved ones, abusers sometimes make threats against themselves, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline website. Claiming that he will kill or harm himself if you leave, or if you engage in activities that he doesn't want you to, is also a type of abuse.
Emotional Responses
In addition to examining your partner's behavior, examine your own emotional responses. If you fear angering or displeasing your partner, there is a problem. Becoming increasingly isolated from your friends, coworkers or family members--either because they displease your partner or because you don't wish for your loved ones to see how your partner treats you--is a sign of abuse. Plummeting self-confidence and growing feelings of worthlessness also indicate abuse, according to the CDC website.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Intimate Partner Violence Consequences
- "Journal of Family Violence"; No One Type of Intimate Partner Abuse; Maureen Outlaw; May 2009
- Help Guide: Domestic Violence and Abuse
- University of Northern Iowa Violence Intervention Services: Physical and Emotional Abuse
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Is This Abuse?
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