What about emotional abuse?

Your line of questioning brings up a crucial point because emotional abuse can be complicated to discern, especially when compared to physical abuse since no visible wounds or scars are present; however, the impact of emotional abuse can be just as traumatic. Verbal abuse is the most common form and can be as obvious as threats, judgmental statements, blaming, lying, ordering, and name-calling, but it can also be subtle and difficult to recognize. The words and behaviors of the abuser can be controlling and manipulative (keep reading for more specifics). Emotional abuse can affect anyone, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, race, and economic background; although rates of abuse with those who identify as female are higher, folks who identify as male are also affected by emotional abuse. And while all these variables may make it a challenge to identify, it?s key to know that there are ways to address this type of abuse as well as support and resources for those dealing with emotional abuse.