We invite you to join St. Hubert Domestic Violence Outreach Ministry. For more information, please contact the Ministry Coordinator at
ministryinfo@sainthubert.org.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse leaves few physical scars. Its victims suffer no broken bones, torn flesh or spilled blood. Still, those wounded might describe it as the most painful and destructive form of domestic violence.
While statistics are elusive, experts agree that emotional abuse—for mostly women, but some men as well—have reached epidemic proportions. And despite its everyday occurrence, few of us recognize it, identify it or even do anything about it.
SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE:
You're on a daily emotional roller coaster - One minute your significant other is loving and the next, punishing you for not doing things correctly.
They isolate you - It’s one thing for your spouse to love spending quality time with you but that person should not isolate you from family and friends.
Arguments tend to escalate, quickly – And these arguments have no end point.
Fear of Partner - Abusive partners will use any tactic they can to keep you down, including threats of violence as a way to assert their dominance over you.
Constant put downs - No matter what you do in the relationship, it’s never right and it’s never enough. They put you down and make you feel small.
You feel trapped - Helplessness is an ever-present emotion in emotionally abusive relationships. Often times, abusive partners will try controlling all aspects of your life, including personal items like your car and phone and what you do with your spare time.
You start believing you’re the problem - After all the arguments and put downs, you start believing that you’re not worth any more than the abuse.
If you or someone you know is being abused, seek help. In an emergency, please dial 911. For all other help, please call: Illinois Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline 877 TO END DV (877-863-6338), 877-863-6339 TTY or call WINGS 24-hour hotline 847-221-5680.