Right now, if you think about anyone who has experienced an abusive relationship, have heard of someone who experienced it, or even watched it in movies, you would probably expect the abuse to be violent and physical. However, abusive behaviors also include psychological and sexual harm in domestic relationships. It might not be a secret that abusive relationships include manipulation, deceit, or verbal harm, but in legal trials, the term “abuse” is only applied in sexual or physical contexts. Often times, physically abusive relationships begin as psychological abuse, though partners and their loved ones might not notice it.

            Verbally, a partner in a relationship can introduce psychological abuse as a way to gain power and control over the other partner. Compared to physical abuse, psychological abuse can go unnoticed. Bruises, timidness, and scars might be signs of physical abuse, but emotional scaring is not an easy tell, but it is still undeniably harmful. Tactics that an emotionally abusive partner utilizes to control their partner can be hidden in what seems like intimate demeanors. These behaviors could be bullying, yelling, ignoring, intimidating, humiliating, or verbal threats, all of which could cause serious emotional harm.

            In many instances, psychological abuse can cause just as much harm as physical abuse due to trauma and negative change in one’s mental state. Psychological abuse can also lower self-esteem and trigger depression and anxiety in women. These harmful behaviors can also induce post-traumatic stress disorder, just as many physically abusive relationships. And, it isn’t just romantic relationships either. Family members can also show signs of being psychologically abusive towards children, a relationship where it is easy for an adult to feel power while parenting.

            Movements towards criminalizing psychological behavior are in motion today. So, not only can one be tried for sexual or physical abuse, but also for causing psychological abuse. Evidence is coming to surface in recent research, examining the mental and health distress that a victim of abuse might experience. As a friend or family member, it is important to, not just be vigilant of physical harm, but to be sure that your loved one is not being psychologically abused. On the other hand, if you have been in a relationship that exhibited psychological abuse, and are suffering, seek therapy in which you can build coping mechanisms for your life.