Part two of my domestic abuse series, sponsored by GTM Original, covers types of abuse that many don’t recognize, even those in the abusive situation. Used interchangeably, mental and emotional abuse are both ways for someone to control another person. The abuse comes from spoken offenses (verbal abuse) such as threats, criticism and bullying. An abuser uses manipulation, shaming and intimidation to undermine a person’s mental health, chip away at her self-esteem and dominate his victim.
Sponsored by GTM Original
As I mentioned in this first part of this series, sometimes those in abusive relationships don’t realize what they experience on a daily basis isn’t the norm. I created the following list after researching a few different websites about mental and emotional abuse. Consider the following questions and decide for yourself if any sound familiar.
Does this person:
Those who experience physical abuse were almost always abused mentally and emotionally first.
Now that you’ve read some of the things the abuser may do, consider the following physical symptoms a victim may experience that I found at healthline.com. These symptoms often go unexplained, even after numerous medical exams and tests.
You may notice:
As I mentioned in the beginning of this article, many victims of mental and emotional abuse don’t realize they are being abused because usually it’s not physical. These invisible wounds may include low self-esteem, self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy or worthlessness. Often, victims develop coping mechanisms to deal with the abuse. This may develop into devastating long term effects which may include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and dependency on alcohol, drugs or even food. However, mental and emotional abuse doesn’t have to leave a lasting impact. Victims can learn to cope and overcome the abuse they experienced through intervention and counseling.
You deserve to be treated with respect and kindness.
Recognizing and accepting that you (or someone you know) is in an abusive relationship is just the beginning of what could become a very long journey. However, it is a start. Please consider following this series sponsored by GTM Original and sharing it with others who may be in a similar situation.
Part one — Understanding and Identifying Domestic Abuse
Next month, I will offer resources and tools to prepare a safety plan.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
I wish to express my gratitude to WON for offering high quality articles for women, especially those dealing with SELF PROTECTION and specifically recognizing and dealing with abuse in relationships. Control, manipulation and abuse is a serious issue in our world, and the number of Narcissistic, Sociopathic and even Psychotic individuals in our world seem to be on the increase.
I am especially pleased to see the articles by Michelle Cerino, the Princess Gunslinger, and I would hope that these cause an awakening in the minds WON’s many readers that abuse in relationships may begin in subtle ways, or behaviors that may easily be shrugged off, but they must be dealt with or they become devastating and life changing factors in one’s life.