Emotional Abuse

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Emotional abuse

Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.

This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:

psychological • physical • sexual • financial • emotional

Signs of emotional abuse

You may be experiencing emotional abuse if someone:

  • Intimidates or threatens you.
  • Is aggressive towards you or threatens to hurt you.
  • Shouting at you, bullies you and makes you feel helpless.
  • Criticises you or calls you names.
  • Accuses you or blames you, making you feel guilty.
  • Insults or humiliates you.
  • Tells lies about you or your family and friends.
  • Blackmails you to do something, threatening to harm you, themselves or others if you do not comply.
  • Makes you feel undervalued, by dismissing your opinion, making others be abusive to you, telling you it’s in your head, you’re overreacting or sensitive. Being abusive one minute then overly affectionate the next.
  • Controls you, for example: telling you what to wear, where to go, and how to act

We can support you through our helpline if you believe that you or a loved one are experiencing emotional abuse, so please give us a call if you need guidance.

Available support

If you relate to this information you are not alone; there is help available.

The survivor project will help you to get the help you need, whether for yourself or for a loved one.

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