Signs of Verbal Abuse: Do You Know Them? Verbal abuse doesn’t happen only in romantic relationships.
It can happen at work, school, or between friends and family members. And it can be devastating for the person on the receiving end.
It can undermine their self-esteem, their sense of worth, and their ability to trust others. But sometimes, it’s hard to recognize when someone is verbally abusive.
Here are some signs to look out for:
Mean Jokes
Do you know someone who often makes jokes at other people’s expense? Do they make offensive jokes about certain groups of people?
This could be a sign of verbal abuse.
Offensive Remarks About Physical Appearance
Verbal abusers often use criticism as a tool for manipulation. If someone constantly criticizes your physical appearance and sets unreasonable appearance standards, that’s a red flag.
Name-Calling
Insults and put-downs are a form of verbal abuse. If someone is constantly calling you names, that’s not okay.
Discounting Another’s Feelings
If someone mocks your emotions, belittles your sadness or anger, or ignores what you have to say, that’s a sign of verbal abuse.
Censoring Conversation Topics
Does someone control what you talk about? Do they limit your discussions to only what they want to talk about?
That’s a sign of verbal abuse.
Giving Orders
A verbal abuser wants to control their victim, and they do that by giving orders and making demands. They want the victim to feel powerless.
Criticizing Your Friends and Family
If someone is constantly criticizing your loved ones, that’s a form of verbal abuse. A verbal abuser wants to isolate their victim from their support network.
Judging That There is Only One Right Way of Seeing or Feeling
Verbal abusers are often close-minded and lack interest in others’ perspectives. If someone judges you for feeling a certain way or seeing things differently, that’s a sign of verbal abuse.
Threats or Warnings
If someone is using ultimatums or threatening you, that’s a form of verbal abuse. It’s a way to control you and make you feel afraid.
Belittling Your Work or Your Passions
Does someone constantly invalidate your career or your hobbies? That’s a sign of verbal abuse.
A verbal abuser wants their victim to feel worthless.
No Sense of Humor
Someone who can’t take a joke and lashes out when someone is teasing them is potentially a verbal abuser.
Self-Justification
A verbal abuser won’t take accountability for their actions. They’ll make excuses and try to justify their behavior.
Never Apologizing
A verbal abuser won’t admit fault or apologize. They’ll blame their victim for their behavior.
Relationship With a Verbal Abuser
It’s not easy to leave an abusive relationship. Often, verbal abusers try to manipulate their victims into staying by making them feel like they deserve the abuse or that it’s their fault.
But if you’re in an abusive relationship, it’s important to remember that you deserve a healthy relationship with someone who treats you with respect.
Exit Plan
If you’re in an abusive relationship and you feel like you need to get out, formulate a safety plan. Try to establish a support network of friends and family who can help you.
Make sure you have a place to go and resources you can rely on.
Low Likelihood of Change
It’s important to remember that verbal abuse often doesn’t change, no matter how much the abuser promises to change or convinces you that they will. It’s important to prioritize your safety and well-being.
Deserving a Healthy Relationship
You deserve a healthy relationship. You deserve to be treated with respect, kindness, and love.
Don’t settle for less. If you feel like you’re in an abusive situation, reach out for help.
There are people who can help you leave and start a new life. Verbal abuse is a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on the victims.
Recognizing the signs of verbal abuse is the first step in addressing the problem. The signs may seem subtle, but they can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health and overall well-being.
It’s important to remember that no one deserves to be in an abusive relationship, and if you or someone you know is suffering from verbal abuse, it’s important to seek help. By formulating an exit plan, prioritizing safety, and recognizing your worth, you can take the first steps towards a healthier and happier life.
Remember that you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you.