Psychological Abuse

For many victims, psychological abuse is worse than physical abuse.  Bruises heal faster than emotional trauma.  Many individuals do not even realize that they are victims of psychological abuse until it is too late.

Some signs of psychological abuse include:

• name calling
• demeaning comments
• making the victim believe everything is her fault
• isolating the victim from friends and family
• lying
• constantly criticizing
• always blaming the victim when something goes wrong

If you notice psychological abuse, talk to the victim.  Convince the victim to see help from a pastor, counselor, or family member.  While a victim may refuse help, please offer help.  You can give her a copy of this NCADV brochure which explains psychological abuse.

The linked brochure states that psychological abuse is a stronger predictor of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that physical abuse in women.  I truly believe this.  While I do have some PTSD from my physical abuse, I still struggle to overcome the psychological abuse.

Please, if you believe someone is being abused, talk to them.  Even if they deny it, at least you have made an effort to help someone survive and thrive.