Verbal Abuse
Verbal Abuse is more than name-calling. It is a fundamental lack of respect for the other person’s feelings and opinions. People engaged in normal, healthy conversation respect each other’s rights to their own opinions. The verbal abuser may use insulting or humiliating remarks—“You're stupid; you look like a slut...” He may refuse to hold a conversation to discuss issues, or he may insist on talking all night. Verbal abuse, which undermines your sense of worth and destroys your self-image, can include:
- yelling or shouting at you
- making threats
- insulting you or your family
- being sarcastic about or criticizing your interests, opinions or beliefs
- humiliating you either in private or in company
- sneering, growling, name-calling
- withholding approval, appreciation, or conversation
- refusing to discuss issues that are important to you
- laughing or making fun of you inappropriately
- leaving nasty messages
- accusing you of unfaithfulness, not trying hard enough or purposely doing something to annoy
- blaming you for his failures or other forms of abuse
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