Verbal, emotional and mental abuse can occur in many different settings. It can happen between a parent and her children, between spouses, between a teacher and student, and between a supervisor and worker. This type of abuse can happen anytime there is a power differential between the two people.
Types
American Humane reports that verbal abuse can occur through isolation, rejection, exploitation, threats and neglect. Someone who's being emotionally abused might get yelled at, called names, criticized and blamed for all mistakes. Many times the person is ordered around and manipulated, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Signs
Signs that you're in an abusive relationship include fear of upsetting your partner, feeling that you don't do anything right and believing that you deserve to be ridiculed and hurt. Verbally abusive partners often humiliate their partners, put them down and have mood swings. The abusive partner might seem happy one minute and angry the next. He might seem overly jealous and possessive, and try to control what you wear and who you interact with.
Significance
Helpguide.org reports that verbal abuse can be just as destructive as other types of abuse, including physical abuse. Some victims of abuse report the verbal abuse being worse than the physical abuse, and scars can be left by both types.
Effects
Children and teens who experience emotional abuse often have trouble in school and have difficulty making and maintaining healthy relationships with peers. They might develop a long-lasting low self-esteem and grow up believing that they are worthless. They can suffer from mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Adults who experience verbal abuse also develop low self-confidence, suffer from mental health disorders and live in fear. Other effects include suicide as well as alcohol and drug abuse, according to American Humane.
Identifying Abuse
Parents and teachers should look out for warning signs that children are being verbally, emotionally and mentally abused. Signs include coming to school dirty and hungry, showing low self-esteem and confidence, aggression towards peers, having trouble-making friends, and showing hopelessness and sadness.
Warning and Treatment
Emotional, verbal and mental abuse can turn into life-threatening physical abuse. If you're being abused and afraid of getting hurt, you can get help by contacting your local women's shelter or seeking the help of a mental health professional.
You don't have to be ready to leave your abuser to get help. A women's shelter will help you devise a safety plan in case you have to leave and will give you counseling resources. If you think a child is being abused, call child protective services or get the child help from a therapist who specializes in working with children.
Member Comments
suzimck February 17
Some parents treat their animals better than their own children. This is a great article showing how damaging verbal abuse can be. Always get between the child and the abuser before it is too late.
suzimck February 17
Some people treat their animals better than their own children. Be aware of the signs of verbal abuse and how damaging it can be. No child no matter what they have done deserves it.