Emotional and Verbal Abuse << Types of Violence << Violence Against Women << womenshealth.gov

Emotional and Verbal Abuse

"You're so stupid. You never do anything right!" If this sounds familiar, you may be a victim of emotional abuse.

Emotional and verbal abuse—attempts to isolate, threaten, or intimidate—can harm you, even if you are not being abused physically. Emotional and verbal abuse are also often a sign that physical abuse will follow.

Some examples of emotional and verbal abuse include:

yelling

criticizing

name-calling

blaming you for everything

playing mind games or manipulating you

ordering you around

keeping you from spending time with friends and family

threatening to hurt you

No one deserves to be abused, physically or verbally.

If you're a victim of abuse or violence at the hands of someone you know or love, or you are recovering from an assault by a stranger, you are not alone. Get immediate help and support.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-799-SAFE (7233) and 800-787-3224 (TTY). Spanish speakers are available. When you call, you will first hear a recording and may have to hold. Hotline staff offer crisis intervention and referrals. If requested, they connect women to shelters and can send out written information.

The National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-656-4673. When you call, you will hear a menu and can choose #1 to talk to a counselor. You will then be connected to a counselor in your area who can help you. You can also visit the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline.

Additional Resources

Publications

Overview of Alcohol Abuse and Violence Against Women — This fact sheet discusses the connection between alcohol abuse and violence. It also gives information on where to get help for a friend or family member who is abusing alcohol.

http://pathwayscourses.samhsa.gov/vawc/vawc_fs_01.htm

Are You Being Abused? (Copyright © ACOG) — This simple true-false quiz helps victims and those who care about them identify the signs of abuse. It encourages victims to seek assistance and gives phone numbers to call for help.

http://www.acog.org/from_home/departments/dept_notice.cfm?recno=17&bulletin=198

Domestic Violence and Abuse: Types, Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Effects - Emotional and Verbal Abuse (Copyright © HelpGuide.org) — This fact sheet describes different types of abuse and how they can affect physical and mental health. The section on emotional and verbal abuse gives specific examples of signs that indicate emotional and verbal abuse in a relationship.

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm...

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated January 15, 2009.