How Can I Be Sure it Is Verbal Emotional Abuse?

Emotional verbal abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse, according to helpguide.org. Although you may think that abusive relationships have to involve physical altercations, emotional and verbal abuse also destroy self-worth and are detrimental to the victims. Identifying an emotionally, verbally abusive relationship is the first step in beginning to remedy the situation.

Things You'll Need

• Therapist
• Telephone

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Instructions

Signs of Emotional Verbal Abuse

• 1

  Take note of the potential abuser's behavior. Pay close attention to what is said during disagreements. Emotional verbal abuse is intended to destroy self-worth and make you feel helpless. Signs of emotional verbal abuse include the potential abuser displaying uncontrollable anger, yelling, name-calling, making threats and placing blame on you.

• 2

  Recognize that there is a difference between emotional verbal abuse and arguments. Emotional verbal abuse is not the same as having an argument or an occasional burst of anger, according to Dr. Margaret J. Rinck, an author and counselor who treats abusers and their victims. If you are in a relationship that is suffering from emotional abuse, the pattern of emotionally destructive behavior usually occurs behind closed doors and is continuous. The abuser will constantly work to control, manipulate and degrade you.

• 3

  Assess how you feel after an argument or disagreement. Are you depressed, emotionally distraught or feeling like everything is your fault? Do you continuously feel small and incapable after a heated discussion or yelling match? If the answer is yes, there is a good possibility that emotional verbal abuse is occurring.

• 4

  Identify the type of verbal emotional abuse you may be experiencing. Emotional abuse can come in various forms. Abusers may humiliate, degrade and negate their victims. Others withhold affection or financial resources unless the victim follows orders. Still others may threaten to harm pets, take away possessions and isolate the victim from family and friends.

• 5

  Get professional help. It can be very difficult to admit that you have been a victim of abuse. However, staying in abusive situations and not receiving help can be devastating and hinder your ability to have successful relationships in the future. If you are experiencing what you think is emotional verbal abuse, call a helpline or visit a therapist. They can help you determine whether you are experiencing emotional verbal abuse, and learn how to break free.