Psychological Abuse

It is the abuser’s use of physical and sexual force or threats that gives power to his psychologically abusive acts. Psychological abuse becomes an effective weapon in controlling a victim, because she knows through experience that her abuser will at times back up the threats or taunts with physical assaults. Psychological abuse can be indicated when the batterer:

• Breaks promises, doesn’t follow through on agreements
  or doesn’t take a fair share of responsibility.
• Verbally attacks and humiliates his partner in private or public.
• Attacks her vulnerabilities, such as her language abilities,
  educational level, skills as a parent, religious and cultural beliefs or physical appearance.
• Plays mind games, such as when he denies requests he has made previously or when he undercuts her sense of reality.
• Forces her to do degrading things.
• Ignores her feelings.
• Withholds approval or affection as punishment.
• Regularly threatens to leave or tells his partner to leave.
• Harasses her about affairs he imagines her to be having.
• Stalks her.
• Always claims to be right.
• Is unfaithful after committing to monogamy.