Signs and Symptoms of Domestic Violence: emotional and verbal abuse

October is domestic violence awareness month, and when it comes to recognizing the signs and symptoms of this nationwide health care problem, it is imperative to know what to look out for. It might seem odd, but many victims of domestic violence fail to recognize the severity of their situation. Many are in denial, make excuses for their abuser, or truly believe that the environment they are living in is normal.

Without recognizing and understanding the nature of domestic violence, the cycle will never be broken.
When determining the signs and symptoms of domestic violence it is important to realize that not all cases of domestic violence and abuse involve physical battery. Tougher laws have been written and are continually enacted in attempt to curtail the problem. For many though, emotional and verbal abuse are two serious forms of domestic violence yet they often go unnoticed, untreated, and are rarely dealt with.

Symptoms of emotional and verbal abuse often center on the communication within the relationship. Victims of both emotional and verbal abuse say that their partner continually puts them down, humiliates them, criticizes them, and essentially undermines their sense of self-worth or self esteem. Those who are in emotionally and verbally abusive situations often find it difficult, if not impossible, to share their feelings with their partner. The abuser might simply ignore their remarks, brushes off their feelings as unimportant, or controls and manipulates the conversation so that the victim’s feelings are not recognized; all of these are signs and symptoms of emotional abuse.

Abusers thrive off of power and control and they use emotional and verbal abuse to control their partners. These relationships are intimidating and overtime, destroy the victim’s sense of well-being, dignity, and self-esteem. As a result, it is often common to find victims of emotional and verbal abuse suffering from depression; if the victim has a history of abuse, they may be at an increased risk for PTSD as well.

When involved in an intimate relationship with someone, you shouldn’t have to feel afraid to speak your mind, to share your feelings, or state your opinions. If you are afraid of your partner, cannot communicate or express your feelings, then you are in an abusive situation. Should your partner use emotional and verbal abuse to control and manipulate you; then you must take steps to break the cycle of violence, before it is too late.

If you are in a domestic violence situation and need help, please contact the Florida Coalition against Domestic Violence here: 1-800-500-1119 or on the web here: FCADV

To find domestic violence shelters in your county please click the links below.

Florida Certified Domestic Violence Centers (City)

Florida Certified Domestic Violence Centers (County)

Domestic Violence videos from YouTube (please use your judgment when viewing these videos as some were made by YouTube users; others are PSA video for Domestic Violence)

Domestic Violence in Tampa Bay News

Domestic Violence News