Define Mental Abuse
Mental abuse is defined as any action intended to cause someone psychological distress. Mental abuse can take place in a variety of environments -- the workplace, family settings, social relationships. It can take many forms, and it can be wrapped up with other forms of abuse, such as physical or sexual abuse.
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Verbal Abuse
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Verbal abuse is the use of words to attack, demean or belittle a person. The abused suffers in silence as her self-esteem and self-worth are damaged by repeated insults and criticisms. Such abuse can continue for a long time without being recognized as such -- even by the victim -- because it is often dismissed as "joking," and the victim will be told that she is simply being "too sensitive." Because she has been told for so long that she is no good, not talented and not worthy of love, the victim of verbal abuse comes to believe it.
Psychological Abuse
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Psychological abuse is the use of fear, manipulation and guilt to control another person. The abuser often twists perceptions of reality to make the victim feel as if he must be the one who is crazy or wrong in the situation. One example would be a person who assaults her spouse and then puts the blame for the violence on him, saying he provoked it. The victim starts to accept this as reality, thus accepting the abuse.
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With Physical Abuse
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Physical abuse is the use of violence to intimidate or control someone. Physical abuse can inflict psychological damage as severe as the physical damage, or worse. The victim suffers immense fear and anxiety over the abuse, and these emotions can manifest themselves as physical illness.
With Sexual Abuse
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In addition to the physical harm and violation, sexual abuse of adults and children inflicts extreme mental anguish. The victim often suffers intense feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment, fear and anger. Sexual abuse is often accompanied by direct or implied threats of physical harm, compounding the mental trauma.
Neglect
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Neglect is usually defined as denying a person necessities such as food. Emotional neglect is another form of mental abuse. It occurs when the abuser withholds affection or emotional attachment from the victim -- perhaps by ignoring them, giving them the "silent treatment" or offering no love. Neglect is usually inflicted by a caregiver on someone who is dependent, such as a child or elderly person.
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