Verbal abuse can happen right under your nose and you don’t even recognize it. You know there is something just not right in your partner relationship but are not familiar with the stealthy tactics used by the abuser. The effects can be very demeaning and damaging psychologically.
In the beginning, the abuser may behave normally but as he feels more comfortable in the relationship, the subtle abuse will begin. Over time, the abusers begin to insult, isolate and control their victims. When this change in behavior happens, it can leave the victim feeling shocked and confused. Verbal abuse can cause fear, anxiety, stress, hypervigilance, eating disorders, difficulty sleeping, and substance abuse, as well as other self-harming behaviors. If you are being verbally abused, know that it is not your fault. Learn how to recognize verbal abuse, so that you do not become a victim. The trouble is, when you’re involved in a verbally abusive relationship, it can wear you down and seem normal to you.
Consider it a red flag when the other person engages in these behaviors!
Arguments take you by surprise, but you get blamed for starting them. They save their hurtful behaviors for when you’re alone but act completely different when others are around. They insult or attempt to humiliate you. Then they accuse you of being overly sensitive or say that it was a joke and you have no sense of humor. The initial disagreement sets off a string of accusations and dredging up of unrelated issues to put you on the defense. They get into your personal space or block you from moving away. They frequently yell or scream at you. They try to make you feel guilty and position themselves as the victim.