Abuse is abuse, no matter what form it comes in.

Unfortunately, emotional abuse is less talked about and can often go undetected. Sometimes the person who is being abused doesn’t even know it themselves, especially when the abuser is a seasoned manipulator. When you’re in the situation, it’s hard to see what’s going on. Emotional abuse is one of the patterns of coercive control, which extends beyond physical abuse to include non-physical forms of abuse, such as emotional manipulation, psychological pressure, and financial control.

Emotional abuse happens when someone uses words and non-violent actions to dominate and control you. It’s also known as mental or psychological abuse. This type of abuse involves manipulating or belittling you, often with the goal of undermining your self-esteem and autonomy.

Signs of emotional abuse

Frequent criticism
If you find yourself constantly being criticised, it may be a sign of emotional abuse. When someone repeatedly tells you that you’re doing things wrong, to the point where you begin to doubt your abilities and feel inadequate, this can severely impact your self-esteem. Persistent criticism can make you feel like you’re not good at anything, undermining your confidence and sense of self-worth.

Induced guilt
Emotional abusers often shift the blame onto you, making you feel guilty for things that aren’t your fault. They use guilt as a tool to manipulate you, making you believe that you’re responsible for their actions or problems. This can lead to a constant state of self-blame and confusion about what is your responsibility.

Humiliation
Being humiliated, whether in public or private, is a clear indicator of emotional abuse. When someone constantly belittles or shames you, it leaves you feeling embarrassed and degraded. The intention is to undermine your self-esteem and make you feel worthless, which is a hallmark of emotional abuse.

Dismissal of opinions
An emotional abuser often disregards or dismisses your opinions, thoughts, and values. They make you feel like your perspectives are unimportant or irrelevant. This can make you feel devalued and insignificant, as your individuality and personal beliefs are not respected or acknowledged.

Constant monitoring
One of the significant signs of emotional abuse is the excessive monitoring of your activities. If your abuser keeps a close eye on where you are, reads your messages, knows your passwords, and demands to know your every move, this indicates a loss of personal freedom. The aim is to control you and restrict your independence.

Isolation from support networks
Emotional abusers often work to isolate you from your friends and family. They might encourage you to distance yourself from those who care about you, making it difficult for you to seek support or find solace elsewhere. Over time, this isolation can leave you feeling alone and entirely dependent on the abuser for emotional support.

Emotional abuse is common and the more we talk about it, the easier it will be to spot the signs and the quicker you can get out of the situation. If you’re in a situation you want to get out of, give our team a call.  In Victoria, the law provides strong protections for individuals experiencing family violence, including the ability to seek intervention orders. At Eliza Legal, we take a victim-centred and trauma-informed approach to handling family violence cases. We provide the necessary legal advice and representation to ensure your safety and help you move forward with confidence.

Your next steps

‍Emotional abuse is more common than many realise, and the more we talk about it, the easier it becomes to recognise the signs. If you or someone you know is in an emotionally abusive situation, seeking legal advice can be a crucial first step toward reclaiming control of your life.

At Eliza Legal, we assist clients from Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula and our compassionate team is ready to listen and offer the support you need. With our deep understanding of family violence and our client-focused approach, we’ll work with you to ensure your safety and help you move forward with confidence.

‍Guiding You to a Better Future

‍Eliza Legal is a leading family law firm based on the Mornington Peninsula, dedicated to providing personalised legal services with compassion and integrity. If you're ready to take the next step, booking your initial consultation is simple and convenient. You can easily schedule an appointment online, where we offer flexible consultation options to suit your needs.