Experiencing Emotional Maltreatment: Is Your Romantic Connection Toxic?

Assessing Emotional Maltreatment: Is My Relationship Harmful? | Mental Health Insights via Psych Central

In many relationships, it's essential to understand the signs of intimate partner violence (IPV). This form of abuse affects numerous individuals in the United States each year and can take various forms, including emotional, physical, financial, and psychological.

Emotional abuse involves cruel words or attitudes meant to control, demean, or punish in some way. A partner saying cruel things or calling the victim names is a form of emotional abuse. A partner minimizing or making fun of the victim's accomplishments is another example. A partner making the victim feel incapable or unable to make decisions is a sign of control and undermining self-esteem.

Physical abuse involves intentional bodily harm, such as slapping, punching, choking, kicking, pinching, shoving, forcing drugs, or physically restraining a partner against their will. A partner treating the victim roughly, such as pushing, grabbing, shoving, or hitting, is a form of physical abuse. A partner threatening the victim with violence is a form of intimidation and control.

Psychological abuse involves the slow wearing down of a person's sense of self over time, and may even make them doubt their sanity. Gaslighting falls under this type of abuse. A partner claiming that the victim is nothing without them is a form of emotional manipulation. A partner embarrassing the victim in front of friends and family is a form of public humiliation and control.

Financial abuse involves the controlling of money so the partner is unable to have or spend money without the other's permission. A partner controlling all the money is a form of financial abuse. A partner preventing the victim from doing what they want is a sign of control and restriction. A partner interrogating the victim about their whereabouts is a form of control and invasion of privacy. A partner calling the victim numerous times to check their location is another example.

Sexual abuse involves any type of sexual assault, rape, or the weaponizing of sex. A partner pressuring the victim into sex is a form of sexual coercion. Sexual abuse may also include any form of sexual exploitation or harassment.

Abusers may be motivated by jealousy, anger problems, feeling inferior, poor self-esteem, cultural beliefs that they have the right to control their partner, personality or mental health disorders, learned behavior from growing up in an environment where IPV was accepted, alcohol and drug use.

IPV can fall under the umbrella of domestic violence, but can also occur among couples who are not living together. It's crucial to remember that no one deserves to be in an abusive relationship, and help is available for those who need it.

If you or someone you know is experiencing IPV, seek help immediately. Contact local domestic violence hotlines, law enforcement, or trusted friends and family members. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you.