Emotional Abuse Test
This individual mocks what I say and how I act.
They deliberately speak hurtful words to cause me pain.
During disagreements, this person makes physical threats toward me.
I'm always careful not to provoke this person's anger.
They use harsh language to attack me verbally.
This person encourages my connections with loved ones.
They attempt to dictate all aspects of my behavior.
This person looks for contradictions to accuse me of dishonesty.
Even minor mistakes draw criticism or put-downs from them.
They claim nobody else would ever care for me.
I'm pressured into actions I don't want to take.
My bond with this person feels positive and nurturing.
They often monitor my activities, like eavesdropping on calls or visiting my workplace.
When I don't comply, they withdraw communication entirely.
This person manages my money and stops me from having financial independence.
They embarrass me publicly in front of other people.
Household chores done differently than their preference upset them.
This person wouldn't purposely frighten or harm me.
At times, they destroy objects by throwing, hitting, or kicking them.
They cast doubt on my mental stability.
20 questions remaining
What you need to know
- Emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior in which the abuser insults, humiliates, and generally scares someone to get what they want.
- Signs of an emotionally abusive relationship are too much control, constant criticism, extreme jealousy, gaslighting, manipulation, lying, fear, guilt, threats, and being alone.
- According to the CDC, emotional abuse is common. About 48% of men and women in the U.S. have been psychologically aggressive by an intimate partner at some point in their lives.
- The effects of emotional abuse include not being able to see that it's happening, which can cause you to doubt yourself, blame yourself, bargain, and stay in the relationship, which can lead to more abuse.
- Sometimes emotional and physical abuse happen at the same time, but not always. But if the abuser can't control the victim, physical violence often comes next.
- There are many reasons why it can be hard to leave an abusive relationship, but getting help can help people leave and heal from emotional abuse.
Now is the time to make a change.
Make a plan. Victims can leave abusive relationships by facing reality, accepting help, protecting their children, and dealing with fear and exhaustion.
Start to heal. Survivors can heal by doing things like letting go of blame, taking back their power, and dealing with past hurts.
Talk to a therapist. A therapist can help you get out of an abusive relationship or deal with things that have happened in the past.
