By: ROBYN REISCH
Victims of abuse are not always covered in
bruises. Many are never even touched at all. However, the offense is just as
destructive. Emotional abuse damages the victim psychologically. They become
confused, and they lose their sense of self. This can go on for years, since
abuse is easier to deny and justify when there is no physical component.
REDISCOVERING THEIR IDENTITY, MAKING SENSE OF
THEIR TRAUMA, AND REGAINING CONTROL OF THEIR LIFE CAN TAKE YEARS. THE FIRST
STEP IN THIS JOURNEY IS RECOGNIZING THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM.
Here are four behaviors that constitute
emotional abuse:
01. GASLIGHTING
Gaslighting is a psychological tactic in
which one partner causes the other to question their own perception of reality.
They dismiss the victim’s emotions as over-sensitivity and paranoia. They
challenge their memories of past events. They deny, avoid, and minimize their
problems. They do this all with an unflinching air of confidence and
compassion. Soon, the victim begins to doubt their very sanity. Once the
gaslighter has dismantled their partner’s perception of reality, they are free
to construct their own in its place.
02. PUSHING BOUNDARIES
This is a tricky one. When your boyfriend
shows up at your work with flowers, it feels romantic. Then he starts dropping
by unannounced for other reasons. Soon, he is popping into your life
unexpectedly multiple times each week. You start to feel nervous, irritated,
and maybe a little bit violated. Why does he feel the need to check in on you
all the time? You bring it up with him, and he acts hurt. He guilt trips you.
He may even accuse you of cheating on him. A partner who does not respect your
boundaries does not respect you as an individual. They are trying to push you
into co-dependence. Don’t let this happen. Protect your boundaries. Protect
yourself.
03. SNEAKY INSULTS
Those grades are great, for someone who isn’t
really an academic. You had to stay late at work again? Haha, you know you
barely make any money there, right? Congratulations on your weight loss. Keep
it up and you’ll be as pretty as your sister! These insults may be disguised as
humor, constructive criticism, or even compliments. However, they are designed
to break you down. An abusive partner may try to justify these backhanded
compliments. They may make you feel as though being upset about them is your
own fault. You’re too sensitive. You can’t take a joke. A partner who makes you
feel bad about yourself is abusive – end of story. Find one who builds you up
instead.
04. ISOLATION
We are at our most vulnerable when we are
alone. An abuser knows this. They will try to separate their victim from their
support network. When you disconnect from friends and family, you become more
dependent on your partner. This allows them to warp your perceptions, attack
your self-esteem, and mold you into the doormat they are looking for. Don’t let
this happen. Cling tight to the people who care for you. Listen to their
concerns about your partner. Believe them when they tell you they love you.
They want to see you happy and whole.
“The scars from mental cruelty can be as deep
and long-lasting as wounds from punches or slaps but are often not as obvious.
In fact, even among women who have experienced violence from a partner, half or
more report that the man’s emotional abuse is what is causing them the greatest
harm,” explained Lundy Bancroft. Do not minimize or tolerate abusive behavior
for its lack of physicality. If you are suffering in an abusive relationship,
or if you know someone who is, seek help today.
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