Emotional & Psychological Abuse

What is Emotional/Psychological Abuse?

Examples: threats of harm or abandonment, blackmail, deprivation of contact, humiliation and ridicule, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, isolation, cyber bullying, shouting and swearing, unreasonable support of services or support networks, denial of cultural or religious needs, denial of access to the development of social skills.

Possible Indicators:

• Change in appetite, weight loss or gain
• Low self esteem
• Upset and tearfulness
• Confusion and agitation
• Insomnia
• Avoiding eye contact, withdrawal
• Isolation, unable to make contact
• Distress
• Poor hygiene, resulting from restricted access to facilities
• Uncharacteristic behaviour