What is psychological abuse, and how do I know if it’s happening to me?

“He’s just doing it because he loves me… he doesn’t mean it.”

Though many people look to identify abuse based on signs of physical harm, mental bruises are invisible. Psychological abuse is just as prevalent as physical, and the two often go hand in hand. Abuse and domestic violence comes in all shapes, sizes, and forms. In all types of abuse, a struggle or loss of control is the common theme.

What sets psychological abuse apart from other types of abuse is its ability to cross over all relationship lines. Psychological abuse can occur in any type of relationship that involves control. The abuser will often convince you into thinking you are the problem. The abuser manipulates your trust and connection to them in order to control, humiliate, demean and undermine you. Their manipulation may cause you to make excuses for their behavior, however, there is no valid excuse that can justify any type of abuse.

Has someone close to you unfairly manipulated you, belittled you or demeaned you? Did they claim it was out of love, and because they cared about you?

48.4% of women and 48.8% of men will experience a form of psychological abuse from a partner in their lifetime (NCADV). Trauma from psychological abuse can result in serious mental health consequences, such as depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

If you have been psychologically abused by someone and are unsure how to end your relationship safely, you are not alone. KDLG is happy to discuss options such as personal protection, divorce, custody, reporting the abuser, referrals for counseling, and other help. No one should feel trapped in an unsafe, abusive relationship. If you feel you have been maliciously manipulated by someone close to you contact Kirsch Daskas Law Group PLLC to defend your future and ensure your safety.