Verbal abuse can occur in romantic relationships, between a parent and a child, or at work.
This article discusses the common signs of verbal abuse, the types, and how to seek help.
What Is Verbal Abuse?
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
It is used to maintain a level of control or power over the other person.
“Abuse” is the term used to describe acts or behaviors that are damaging in nature.
They are done to purposely cause physical or emotional harm to a person.
There are many forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional.
However, even though the two are similar, there are distinct characteristics of each one.
Are All Forms of Abuse Equal?
What Are the Signs of Verbal Abuse?
It can be hard to identify verbal abuse.
The following are signs of verbal abuse.
Name-Calling
Being called a name is a form of verbal abuse.
An example of this is when you make plans with your partner to meet at a certain time.
They show up three hours late, and an argument ensues.
During the argument, they deny that you set the agreed-upon time.
The abusers main goal is to control you so you submit to what they want.
What’s the Difference Between a Fight and Verbal Abuse?
It can be hard to tell the difference between regular disagreeing and verbal abuse.
Signs of verbal abuse such as name-calling or threatening will not be a part of a normal heated discussion.
Criticizing
Criticism can come in many forms.
Someone may be direct and blunt with their criticism, such as asking, Why are you so lazy?
Other times, criticism can come in the form of a joke.
They say that its a term of endearment, but it is verbal abuse.
Threats
Any jot down of threat is verbal abuse.
Isolation and Control
Isolation is a control tactic abusers use to separate you from your support systems.
It often starts subtly by discouraging you from spending time with other people.
An abuser may take a stab at prevent you from seeing friends, family members, or peers altogether.
They may also isolate you financially and control all the money in the relationship.
This is financial abuse.
Look what you made me do is a common refrain.
They may also accuse you of behaviors that they say triggered their verbally abusive response.
Such accusations are, sadly, a common part of the verbal abuse cycle.
They may also attempt to blame you for their cheating.
Emotional manipulators often use mind games to seize power and control in a relationship.
The signs can be subtle and hard to identify, especially when it is happening to you.
Verbal assaults such as name-calling or hurling insults are a form of verbal abuse.
Verbal abuse in a romantic relationship can severely impact a persons mental health.
Like other forms of verbal abuse, it is underlined by a need for control.
When a child is verbally abused by one of their parents, their brain development is affected.
Roughly one in five Americans have been verbally abused at their workplace.
Verbal abuse often escalates over time and should not be ignored.
Noticing that you exhibit signs of verbal abuse can be a scary realization.
Recognizing that you act in abusive ways is the first step to fixing your behaviors.
If the situation is an emergency and you are in immediate danger, call 911.
It is done to manipulate and control the other person.
Verbal abuse can occur in any kind of relationship, including romantic, familial, or in the workplace.
If you see signs of verbal abuse in a relationship, seek professional support.
Verbal abuse is often a precursor to physical abuse.
Verbal abuse in the workplace should be reported to the Human Resources department.
National Domestic Violence Hotline.Warning signs of abuse.
Office on Women’s Health.Emotional and verbal abuse.
