What are the characteristics of emotional abuse?
Emotional abuse is any nonphysical behavior or attitude that controls, intimidates, subjugates, demeans, punishes or isolates another person by using degradation, humiliation or fear. 1Yelling, screaming, and name-calling are all forms of emotional abuse, as are more subtle tactics such as refusing to be pleased with anything, isolating an individual from family and friends and invalidating another’s thoughts and feelings. Examples of emotionally abusive behaviors include: • Humiliating and degrading • Discounting, distorting and negating • Accusing and blaming • Isolating • Withholding affection and emotional support • Withholding financial resources • Dismissive, disapproving, or contemptuous looks, comments or behavior • Threatening harm to an individual’s pets, possessions or person The effects of emotional abuse are often debilitating. They include depression, confusion, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, overwhelming feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and poor ph
