What Is Verbal Domestic Violence?

Verbal abuse hurts.

Verbal abuse can have devastating emotional and psychological consequences. Further, it can escalate into verbal domestic violence, meaning verbal abuse happening in the home is creating a scenario ripe for physical violence. Knowing the signs and reaching out to the appropriate sources for help is important to prevent an avoidable tragedy.

Recognizing the Signs

Verbal and emotional abuse manifest when one person uses derogatory language and intonation to intimidate, threaten and control another person. It can happen in any type of relationship, but most often occurs in intimate love relationships or other familial interactions. If one person in the relationship is fearful of the other, this is a sign that some sort of abuse may be present.

Examples of Verbal Abuse

Non-physical abuse can be extremely harmful and can manifest in yelling, name calling, threatening, or harassing. People who verbally and emotionally abuse others can sometimes manipulate and blame others for their own problems. Sometimes the actual words spoken by an individual are not abusive in and of themselves, but they are said with a tone of voice that is harsh and degrading.

Cycle of Abuse

Abusive relationships are cyclical in nature. First, some sort of conflict or tension arises in which one party is attempting to control the other. Next, an abusive incident occurs. Third, the abuser feels guilt, shame and remorse, and the victim tries to discern what he or she did to cause the abuse. Reconciliation then occurs in which both parties tell themselves it will never happen again. Finally, tension begins building again until another abusive incident happens, and the abuser justifies his or her behavior, blaming the victim.

Help

There are many agencies and organizations available to help victims of domestic abuse, whether verbal or physical. Counseling is a must so the victim can become empowered, building a sense of self-esteem and self-worth. Breaking the cycle is critical for people in abusive relationships.

References

• Help Guide: Domestic Violence and Abuse
• Heart 2 Heart: The Cycle of Abuse

Resources

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline: Get Educated