SEIU Local 7

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Signs of emotional abuse

Domestic abuse doesn't always lead to bruises or broken bones. Abuse is
about power or control. Sometimes a spouse or partner may use words or
emotional reactions to control someone else's behavior.

The results can affect the victim's mental and physical health. The victim
may feel frightened, isolated or even question her or his sanity.

If you think that you or a friend or family member might be a victim of
emotional or verbal abuse, ask these questions:

Does Your Partner:

Put you down or call you names?

Act jealously? For example, does he or she accuse you unfairly of flirting
or having affairs? Does he or she often call you at work to check up on you?

Control what you do or where you go?

Discourage you from seeing friends or family members?

Make it difficult for you to maintain relationships with relatives, friends,
neighbors or co-workers by arguing with them or criticizing them?

Intimidate you with looks, gestures, actions or loudness or by breaking
things, particularly your things?

Prevent you from seeking medical help or taking a medication you need?

Withhold money or financial information from you?

Threaten to hurt you, to take the children from you or to commit suicide?

If you think you or someone you care about is a victim of any type of abuse, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233
(800-799-SAFE) or 800-787-3224 TDD.

Help is available.