Psychological or Emotional Abuse

Psychological abuse is the wilful infliction of mental suffering by a person who is in a position of power or trust or within the context of a close relationship.  This type of harm threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyber bullying, isolation, or unreasonable behaviour. They can also be very aggressive shouting, swearing or making racist comments. 

It undermines the adult’s self-esteem and results in the adult being less able to protect themselves and exercise choice. It can cause serious psychological harm and often accompanies other forms of abusive behaviour. 

For further information see SCIE: indicators of psychological abuse [external link].