Emotional and Verbal Abuse

Emotional abuse involves controlling another person by using emotions to criticize, embarrass, shame, blame, or otherwise manipulate them. Emotional abuse is most common in dating and married relationships.

A relationship is emotionally abusive when there is a consistent pattern of abusive words and bullying behaviors that wear down a person’s self-esteem and undermine their mental health.

The underlying goal of emotional abuse is to control the other person by discrediting, isolating, and silencing them. It is one of the hardest forms of abuse to recognize as it can be subtle and insidious. But it can also be overt and manipulative.

Emotionally abused people are often too wounded to endure the relationship any longer, but also too afraid to leave. So, the cycle repeats itself until something is done.

Signs of Emotional Abuse

Unrealistic Expectations: One sign of emotional abuse is if the other person places unrealistic expectations on you.

Invalidates You: Someone may be emotionally abusive is if they invalidate you.

Creates Chaos: Emotionally abusive people also tend to create chaos.

​Uses Emotional Blackmail: If someone tries to use your emotions against you, this is a sign of emotional abuse.

Acts Superior: People who are emotionally abusive often act superior and entitled. Controls and Isolates You:  Emotionally abusive people will attempt to isolate and control you