How To Identify Emotional Abuse in Your Marriage

Are you wondering if you’re experiencing emotional abuse? Learn how to identify emotional abuse in your marriage.

Emotional Abuse in Marriage

One of the most difficult forms of abuse to identify in a relationship, is emotional abuse. 

Why? Because emotional abusers use justification of the abuse as a tactic, which keeps victims off the scent. In other words, one aspect of emotional abuse is the justification of the abuse, which usually includes blaming the victim.

Here’s How to Know if You’re Experiencing Emotional Abuse

Abuse is always about power and control. If your partner seeks power and control over you, your children, and others (a great resource to understand this dynamic is Patricia Evans’ book The Verbally Abusive Relationship), and employs these behaviors, you may be experiencing emotional abuse:

Abusers blame, anger, sulk, use coercion
  • Gives you the silent treatment

  • Sulks and pouts

  • Uses explosive anger

  • Threatens and intimidates you

  • Uses coercion to push you into decisions

  • Uses name calling

  • Blames you for their behavior

  • Refuses to discuss issues in a healthy manner

If you’re experiencing these unhealthy dynamics, consider seeking support. My free support group is a safe space to process your experiences. I hope to see you there.

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When It’s Too Toxic to Stay, But Not Bad Enough to Leave Your Abusive Marriage

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How Can I Feel Confident After Emotional Abuse?