Emotional spousal abuse is a non-physical form of domestic violence that involves psychological harm to a spouse through words and actions. The abuser uses tactics to control and undermine their victim’s self-esteem, creating an environment of fear and helplessness. Victims can seek help from loved ones, abuse hotlines, support centers, or victim shelters.
Emotional spousal abuse is a form of domestic violence in which a husband or wife continually harms their spouse psychologically. While this abuse is not physical in nature, it can be just as harmful to the victim as other forms of domestic violence. This type of abuse usually involves using words to control a victim, undermine their self-esteem, and create an environment of fear and helplessness. There are several ways that victims of emotional spousal abuse can find the help and support they need to escape their life of abuse.
Many people associate domestic abuse solely with physical violence. However, there are other non-physical forms of abuse that a husband or wife can inflict on their spouse. Chief among these is emotional spousal abuse, or the ongoing psychological harm of a spouse.
A spouse who is an emotional abuser strikes with words rather than fists. He often uses various tactics to undermine his victim’s self-esteem. For example, he may constantly criticize his spouse’s appearance, intelligence and performance of domestic duties. He may also intentionally humiliate his spouse in front of his children, extended family or friends.
Often, an emotionally abusive spouse will try to create an environment of fear for their partner. He may threaten to use physical violence if she doesn’t comply with one of her requests, sometimes breaking or throwing objects to add emphasis to her threat. If the couple has children, the abuser may threaten to take them away or harm them.
Another common feature of emotional spousal abuse is the creation of a feeling of helplessness in the victim. The abuser may insist on total control over the family’s finances, thus making the victim financially dependent on him. He may forbid you from interacting with his family and friends or participating in activities outside the home. Cut off from contact with the outside world, the victim often feels as though she has no support system to turn to, and her escape from her abusive marriage begins to seem impossible.
Escaping your spouse’s emotional abuse doesn’t have to be impossible, however. There are several ways that victims of this devastating form of abuse can find the help and support they need to rebuild their self-esteem and start living more positive lives. Victims of this type of abuse should consider talking to a trusted loved one, consulting an abuse hotline or website, or visiting a support center or victim shelter.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
