Emotional abuse is not as apparent as other forms of violence, however, it can be just as damaging. Emotional abuse can also start later in a relationship, after the abuser has groomed the person that they want to control. Groomingstarts with small abuses to see how much the person will tolerate. Emotional abuse is a control tactic to devalue someone, so the person feels powerless. Emotional abuse can also be used to manipulate others. Here are some forms of emotional abuse.
Intimidation
Intimidation can come in the form of threats, scary emotional reactions and punishment. “If you do not do what I say, then…..”
Devaluing
Devaluing can come in the form of backhanded compliments, public humiliation, smear campaigns and hurtful criticism.
Smear campaigns
Smear campaigns are used to ruin the reputation of another person. The abuser targets the person’s friends and family, colleagues or community. A smear campaign consists of negative gossip about the targeted person.
Alienation
This could be a parent turning a child against the other parent and their family, or a partner turning the targeted partner away from friends and family.This could be a parent turning a child against the other parent and their family, or a partner turning the targeted partner away from friends and family.
Gaslighting
Lying or manipulating the other person so that the abuser does not have to take responsibility for their actions or to make the other person feel crazy. An example would be catching the abuser in a lie, and then the abuser turning around and telling the personthey are insane, seeing things, or that didn’t happen
Manipulation
Harmful manipulation is done to get someone else to do something that they would not normally do.
Stalking
Stalking is a violation of privacy to gather information, intimidate, control or manipulate. This form of abuse leaves someone feeling unsafe and violated. If you are being stalked, makesafety a priority.
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Do you feel that you are going through some kind of emotional abuse? A professional can help. To set up an appointment with me please contact +852 2521 4668 or email m.borschel@mindnlife.com
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