Emotional abuse can be just as devastating as physical abuse. It can be harder to identify since it does not have physical signs, but it is just as valid as any other type of abuse. Emotional abuse has the potentially to affect a person’s sense of self-worth and to have psychologically lasting effects.
Just like with physical abuse, there are emotional abuse laws that can help protect victims. Emotional abuse is considered to be one of the few types of domestic abuse and has been criminalized in some manners. Emotional abuse may present itself as battered women’s syndrome, which is when women (or men) believe that they have no way out of the situation. They may feel depressed, hopeless or become passive. The victim stays with the abuser in the hopes that he or she will change his or her ways, which continues the cycle of abuse.
Battered women’s syndrome is recognized as a mental health condition, so there is some medical help that those with it can receive. With emotional support, it’s possible to break the cycle of abuse and recognize your own self-worth again.
You may also be able to file a lawsuit as a victim of emotional abuse. The intentional infliction of emotional distress is a claim you could make. If you can prove it with evidence, then the court may rule in your favor and award you compensation. Our website has more information on what you can do if you’re a victim of emotional, or any kind of, abuse. You are not alone and deserve help.