| Domestic
Violence experts define abuse as a pattern of hurtful behavior that
one partner in an intimate relationship uses to control the other.
|
|
|
| Emotional
Abuse IS hurtful, exercises power and control over another and encompasses
all forms of abuse that is not physical of nature. Emotional Abuse
attacks the very core of a person's identity and chips away at an
individual's self worth until it begins to cease to exist. The pain
of Emotional Abuse is a silent, life long hidden trauma that surfaces
time and time again. |
|
| Emotional
Abuse is not against the law! |
|
| This
form of abuse does not leave physical injuries. There is no crisis
that would precipitate intervention by the health, welfare or criminal
justice systems. The frequency of Emotional Abuse in relationships
is often disregarded. Many times it goes unrecognized. Emotional
Abuse is the most underestimated form of abuse. Until recent years,
little training has been available about Emotional Abuse and subsequent
ancillary issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. We need
human service providers to possess a basic knowledge and expertise
regarding Emotional Abuse. Victims would benefit by understanding
what is happening to them. |
|
| The
need to educate our country has never been greater. |
|
|
A few examples of Emotional Abuse are: |
|
• Insults
• False accusations
• Name calling
• Blaming
• Constant criticism
• Humiliation
• Unrealistic expectations
• Forced isolation from others
• Verbal intimidation
• Threats
• Possessive behavior
• Financial blackmail
• "Crooked Hearing" and "Crazy Making"
|
|
| Coinciding
with emotional abuse, the victim often has symptoms of Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder. Signs of PTSD may include: |
|
• Inability
to focus or concentrate
• Repeated anxiety
• Easily startled
• Emotionally numb
• Depression
• Fear of insanity
• Mood swings,
• Eating problems
• Inability to relax
• Jumpiness
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Feelings of helplessness and powerlessness
• Triggering
|
|
| Abuse
perpetuates abuse. It begins with Emotional Abuse. The personal
damage caused as the result of Emotional Abuse, cost us dearly in
economic and human terms. Loss of self and potential in millions
of lives can be positively impacted if we can interrupt the cycle
of emotional violence. |
