Verbal or emotional abuse is a form of abusive behaviour involving the use of language. It is a form of profanity that can occur with or without the use of expletives. While oral communication is the most common form of verbal abuse, it also includes abusive words in written form.
Verbal abuse is a pattern of behaviour that can seriously interfere with one’s positive emotional development and can lead to significant detriment to one’s self-esteem, emotional well-being, and physical state. It has been further described as an ongoing emotional environment organised by the abuser for the purposes of control.
Emotional or verbal abuse encompasses a wide range of behaviours. The victim’s life is restricted by the abuser.
The abuser demeans, embarrasses, humiliates, threatens and harasses the victim.
The victim is isolated from friends, family and the community.
The victim is often overworked by the abuser and is restricted financially as the abuser does not give sufficient funds to maintain a home or children.
