|
Domestic Violence
Emotional
and verbal abuse qualify as domestic violence.
As domestic violence
awareness has increased, it has become evident that abuse can occur
within a number of relationships. The laws in many states cover
incidents of violence occurring between married couples, as well as
abuse of elders by family members, abuse between roommates, dating
couples and those in lesbian and gay relationships. In an abusive
relationships, the abuser may use a number of tactics other than
physical violence in order to maintain power and control over his or
her partner.
Emotional and verbal
abuse: Survivors of domestic violence recount stories of put-downs,
public humiliation, name-calling, mind games and manipulations by
their partners. Many say that the emotional abuse they have suffered
has left the deepest scars.
Isolation: It is common
for an abuser to be extremely jealous, and insist that the victim not
see her friends or family members. The resulting feeling of isolation
may then be increased for the victim if she loses her job as a result
of absenteeism or decreased productivity (which are often associated
with people who are experiencing domestic violence).
Threats and
Intimidation: Threats -- including threats of violence, suicide, or of
taking away the children -- are a very common tactic employed by the
batterer.
The existence of
emotional and verbal abuse, attempts to isolate, and threats and
intimidation within a relationships may be an indication that physical
abuse is to follow. Even if they are not accompanied by physical
abuse, the effect of these incidents must not be minimized.
National Domestic
Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
TDD for the Hearing
Impaired: 1-800-787-3224
|
