Psychological/Emotional – when a person is subjecting another person to regular and deliberate behaviours, such as the use of a range of words and nonphysical actions used with the purpose to manipulate, hurt, weaken, isolate or frighten a person mentally and emotionally. Some examples can include:
- Gaslighting – is a form of manipulation, that is a covert type of abuse where a person causes someone to question their sanity, judgement, memories or perception of reality. People who experience gaslighting may feel confused, anxious, or unable to trust themselves.
- Being verbally abused, humiliated, and intimidated.
- Being constantly blamed.
- Being put down in front of others.
- Being kept away from family and friends.
- Isolating from sources of support.
- Stalking.
- Influencing your behaviours.
- Giving you the `silent treatment`
- Damaging your property when they are angry (throwing objects, punching walks, kicking doors etc).
- Blaming you for their abusive. actions or unhealthy behaviours.
- Emotional blackmailing you whereby threatening to commit suicide to prevent you from breaking up the relationship.
- Threatening to harm you, your pet, or people that you care about.