Emotional Abuse
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Introduction
Emotional abuse is commonly defined as the systematic tearing down of another human being. Like most forms of violence, emotional abuse is based on power and control over another person. It is probably the least understood type of abuse, although it is the most prevalent and most destructive. A victim of emotional abuse may come to see oneself or herself as unworthy of love, affection and respect.
Facts
- Name-calling, put-downs and making someone feel bad about themselves/their actions are the most common form of emotional abuse (Statistics Canada).
- Other types of abuse are usually more obvious because of physical evidence, while emotional abuse is harder to recognize which is why many cases go unreported.
- Emotional abuse often accompanies other forms of abuse and is usually repetitive, and gets worse over time.
- Both men and women can be the perpetrators and the victims of emotional abuse.
- Children who see family members being abused can be victims of emotional abuse.
(Source: Public Health Agency of Canada: Psychological Abuse)
Types of emotional abuse
- Rejecting: refusing to acknowledge a person’s presence and value.
- Degrading: insulting, ridiculing, name-calling, imitating, yelling, swearing, publicly humiliating, labelling a person as stupid, making a person feel inferior, blaming them for everything.
- Ignoring: not listening to the other person or trying to understand their feelings.
- Terrorizing: inducing terror or fear in a person, intimidation, threatening, stalking.
- Isolating: physical confinement, limiting freedom, restricting normal contact with other people (like friends and family).
- Corrupting/Exploiting: forcing someone to accept ideas and behaviours, using someone for profit, not letting them express their thoughts.
- Bullying: purposely and repeatedly saying or doing hurtful things to someone.
(Source: Public Health Agency of Canada: Psychological Abuse)
Indicators someone may be a victim of emotional abuse:
- Social Withdrawal from friends and family;
- Low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, suicide attempts or discussion of suicide, self-mutilation;
- Involvement in bullying (as a victim or perpetrator);
- Eating disorders;
- Poor school performance;
- Substance abuse;
(Source: Public Health Agency of Canada: Psychological Abuse)
Need Help?
If you are a victim of emotional abuse…
- Remember that you are not alone; there are people who can support you.
- Remember that it is NOT your fault.
- Talk to someone you trust about the situation.
- Seek out sources of help or resources within your community.
- Don’t hesitate to talk to a counsellor. What you have been through is quite traumatizing and seeking professional help can assist you in dealing with any feelings or effects you may be experiencing.
- Most importantly, never forget that you are a great person and that you do not deserve to be treated this way.
If you suspect or know someone who is a victim of emotional abuse…
- Listen, believe and support him or her;
- Inform the person of available support services in the community and hotlines;
- In cases of child abuse or neglect, report suspect behaviour to the appropriate authorities.
Links
Public Health Agency of Canada: Psychological Abuse
Family violence – A Statistical Profile 2010
Montreal Police Services – Psychological Violence
