Emotional and psychological abuse could be described as the emotional and psychological mistreatment of one person by another. This covers a wide range of behaviours, patterns and experiences, but could involve deliberately trying to scare, intimidate, frighten or humiliate an individual to gain power and control over them. This often occurs through the use of language, threats, behaviours and gestures. Over time, this can erode a person's sense of self-respect, confidence and self-belief.

Identifying psychological and emotional abuse in relationships can sometimes be difficult because it can be subtle and have less obvious physical signs. Despite an individual presenting outwardly as relatively normal, internally they may be experiencing a maelstrom of fear and pain.

Spotting the signs

In emotionally and psychologically abusive relationships, the abuser gradually alters their partner's sense of reality, truth and experience. This leads to the victim's perspective and feelings becoming distorted and damaged which leads to them feeling overwhelmed, valueless and unworthy, and unsure whether an experience is abusive, or normal. Although people may report having had similar experiences with emotional or psychological abuse, it has to be noted, that the impact and effects will vary from person to person.

Here are some of the features of emotionally and psychologically abusive relationships which an individual may experience.

Aggressive behaviour

• Name calling or insulting
• Shouting, or throwing or breaking objects
• Violent, dominating body language, vocal tone or language