Back to browse
Emotional Abuse
Verbal Abuse
Using words to harm, control, intimidate, or demean another person.
Severity
✅Healthy end
Expressing disagreement and frustration respectfully without attacking the person.
❌Unhealthy end
Using words systematically to demean, frighten, or control another person.
Examples
Name-calling and insults
Yelling and screaming to intimidate
Belittling accomplishments or feelings
Threatening language
Demeaning nicknames used to hurt
Common Signs
Frequent name-calling or insults
Yelling or shouting to intimidate
Belittling comments disguised as jokes
Threatening language
Dismisses or mocks feelings
Language creates fear or shame
Often Confused With
ArgumentsExpressing anger
Educational Note
Verbal abuse is a form of emotional abuse. It's not just 'having an argument' — it's a pattern of using words to harm or control. If you experience verbal abuse, support is available.
What You Can Do
- 1Name the behavior as unacceptable
- 2Set clear boundaries around language
- 3Consider whether you feel safe
- 4Reach out to a support service if you feel threatened