Emotional abuse takes many forms. Having witnessed first-hand emotional abuse, I understand the signs.
What is emotional abuse?
Abuse doesn’t have to be someone shouting, yelling or screaming at us. That’s just one form of abuse. Unfortunately, abuse comes in many other forms too including:
Most of these aren’t often thought of as abuse, primarily because they’ve become part of everyday life and every day scenarios.
All of these do take the form of abuse. When any form of abuse begins to diminish other people’s sense of identity, self-worth and dignity, we cross those boundaries and that’s when it becomes abuse. When these behaviours are constantly being repeated, then inevitably they will take the form of emotional abuse. Abuse is known as psychological, or chronic verbal aggression.
I find it hard to see or be around people who communicate in this way. Unless we say things that show we're caring, that we're compassionate, kind and gracious, everything else may be seen as abuse. So the next time you’re around someone who communicates in this way, you’ll know exactly the form it takes.
If someone cares enough about us, they will care enough to want to change the way they communicate with us. There is no excuse for any form of abuse.
