Verbal Abuse and attacks Physical abuse is somewhat easy to define and often easy to see. However, verbal abuse can be just as damaging but much harder to define (and to prove in court). When it comes to Washington domestic violence, verbal abuse and physical abuse often go hand-in-hand, and the scars of verbal abuse often take longer to heal than the physical ones.

If you are in an abusive relationship, it is important to know that verbal abuse is harmful, that some forms of verbal abuse are against the law, and to know that if you are being verbally and emotionally abused, there is help.

What Are Some Examples of Verbal Abuse? 

  • Physically threatening statements – If you do that again, I’ll throw you down the stairs
  • Intimidating statements – If you leave me, you’ll never see the kids again
  • Emotionally abusive statements – You’ll never understand how much I do for you. You are ungrateful
  • Overly controlling statements – A woman’s place is in the home – there is no reason for you to see friends or family when you have me
  • Withholding information – It’s my business where I was
  • Degrading statements – I can’t believe my husband is such an idiot
  • Name-calling – Stop being a whore in front of my friends
  • Placing undue blame – Our money problems are your fault, you can’t be trusted with a dollar
  • Manipulation – If you really loved me, you would lose weight
  • Ridicule – You look so sloppy. It is embarrassing
  • Ignoring the other person’s thoughts or feelings – I don’t care what you think, Stop crying
  • Profanity
  • Shouting or yelling
  • Sexually abusive statements

There are sometimes rare and isolated moments during arguments when we’ve said hurtful things. But if your spouse is repeatedly making the above statements, you may be a victim of verbal abuse. The consequences of verbal abuse can be serious: depression, anxiety, insecurity, low self-esteem, inadequacy, insecurity, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, children who witness or overhear verbal abuse can also suffer from psychological issues.

What Should You Do if You Feel You are Being Verbally Abused By Your Spouse or Partner?

Know that verbal abuse is often a red flag for other types of abuse, such as physical abuse, financial abuse, and sexual abuse. Also know that there are a number of resources for domestic abuse victims, or that counseling may help if your spouse is not otherwise abusive. If your spouse threatens you physically or becomes physically abusive, learn how to get protection from a domestic violence situation in Bellevue.

Do you need the assistance of a Bellevue domestic abuse attorney? Call Molly B. Kenny today at 425-460-0550.

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Divorce and Child Custody Attorney Serving Bellevue and Seattle Washington