Abuse is about much more than physical violence. In many cases, abuse takes on an emotional form. While this type of abuse may be more subtle and prolonged, it can be just as damaging as physical abuse.
Emotional abuse from either spouse can make the marriage unbearable. Outlined below are some of the most common examples of emotional abuse in relationships.
The silent treatment
Communication is very important in a marriage. Not only should couples share happy times, but they should be able to have disputes and find resolutions. One form of emotional abuse occurs when a spouse refuses to talk to the other for prolonged periods. It is a form of abuse because the spouse engaging in the conduct knows that it will likely upset their partner deeply.
Invading privacy
Spouses still need to retain their independence. They should have their own goals, ambitions, friend groups and hobbies. Controlling behavior is also a form of emotional abuse. This includes things like reading a spouse’s emails and text messages, stalking social media pages and getting angry when a partner wants to go and do something on their own.
Degrading behavior
Deliberately belittling a spouse is another form of emotional abuse. This could include making nasty comments about appearance when at home or in public. Making someone feel bad about themself can lower self-esteem and cause real emotional damage.
If the emotional abuse in your relationship has become too much, then you may need to think about protecting yourself. Seeking legal information will give you an idea of your different divorce options.