Most people think physical abuse is far worse than emotional abuse. Yes, physical abuse can send the victim to the hospital but the scars of emotional abuse can last for years. Many of you know I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome shortly after I left my ex-husband and was in therapy for 10 years.

A woman may not be physically abused but if she is emotionally abused – she is being abused. Even if she may not acknowledge it, emotional abuse is abuse.

A woman is emotionally abused if her partner consistently beats away at her self esteem and self worth. Your feelings of worthlessness may trap the woman in the relationship as she feels she cannot make it on her own.

According to www.helpguide.org emotional abuse includes verbal abuse such as yelling, name-calling, blaming, and shaming. Isolation, intimidation, and controlling behavior also fall under emotional abuse. Additionally, abusers who use emotional or psychological abuse often throw in threats of physical violence or other repercussions if you don’t do what they want. 

If you or someone you know answer yes to any of the following questions you are being emotionally abused.

  Does your partner:

·         Humiliate or yell at you?

·         Criticize you and put you down?

·         Treat you so badly that you’re embarrassed in front of your family and friends?

·         Ignore or put down your opinions or accomplishments?

·         Blame you for his abusive behavior?

·         See you as property or a sex object, rather than as a person?

Emotional abuse is abuse. Know the signs!