Emotional, or psychological abuse is the intentional erosion of a person's self-esteem, happiness or sense of safety. Though it does not leave physical marks, emotional abuse nonetheless causes pain and long-lasting consequences for victims. Women, and sometimes men, are emotionally abused by spouses or partners, and it is also experienced by elders at the hands of care providers and by children
. from their parents or caretakers. Emotional abuse is often subtle and difficult to recognize.Emotional abuse in relationships is the result of one partner using fear and intimidation to destroy the self-esteem and independence of the other partner. Signs of emotional abuse include a victim being intentionally isolated from friends and family, frequent criticism, humiliation and intimidation. Victims often exhibit unusual timidity and a lack of self-confidence. They may also feel anxiety, depression and feel suicidal.Elderly people are especially vulnerable to the abuse of their adult children or staff who care for them. Tens of thousands of elders experience abuse in the United States each year. Abusers intimidate, humiliate or ignore the seniors in their care. Signs that an elderly person is experiencing emotional abuse include changes in personality of the elder and his or her fear of a particular person.Emotional abuse of children is defined by the Coalition for Children as "a pattern of behavior that attacks a child's emotional development and sense of self-worth." This definition goes on to describe the forms such abuse takes to include "excessive, aggressive or unreasonable demands that place expectations on a child beyond his or her capacity, . . . criticizing, belittling, insulting, rejecting and teasing . . . [and] failure to provide the psychological nurturing necessary for a child's psychological growth and development -- providing no love, support or guidance." Some of the behaviors children exhibit when they are suffering from emotional abuse are self-soothing behaviors like rocking or thumb-sucking. Highly aggressive behavior, intense shyness, developmental delays, hysterical outbursts, phobias and speech disorders are also indicators of possible emotional abuse in children. Signs that a parent is emotionally abusive include blaming, withholding affection and indifference to a child's problems or welfare.Victims of emotional abuse can benefit from supportive family and friends and professional counseling. More reference links: http://www.safechild.org/new/2011/12/06/understanding-emotional-abuse/ http://helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm
