Psychological and emotional abuse
Psychological abuse is every bit as harmful as physical abuse. Find out what it is and the signs of it below.
Definition, signs, examples, and how you can obtain support for yourself or someone you know.
What is psychological abuse?
Also known as emotional or mental abuse, psychological abuse involves communication or behaviour to control the victim.
Some of the signs of psychological abuse
If you notice any of the following or similar signs in another person, they may be being psychologically abused:
- Becoming withdrawn and responding less to contact
- Making excuses for their partner
- Cancelling plans
- Being quieter when their partner is around
- Constantly responding to their partner on their phone
- Being indecisive and insecure
- Constantly apologising
- Rushing all the time.
Examples of psychological abuse
This type of abuse comes in many forms, some examples include:
- Humiliation
- Put downs or belittling
- Making fun of the victim
- Undermining
- Guilt
- Telling the victim what they can and cannot do
- Name-calling
- Threats
- Intimidation
- Controlling behaviour (see coercive control)
- Manipulation
- Gaslighting (making you question your own feelings or thoughts)
- Isolating the victim
- Infantilisation (treating you like a child)
- Bullying
- Coercion
- Harassment and stalking