If someone is being physically abused it is often difficult to hide it. After all, sunglasses and long sleeves can only hide some of the bruising. Of course, it’s possible to make up a reason for the injuries but if this happens too often it is still obvious. However, it’s a different story when someone is being emotionally abused. Fortunately, there are signs if you know what to look for./
In many cases, people who are being emotionally abused are too afraid to leave the abuser, it’s commonly a spouse. By identifying the signs you can spot when this is happening and help them, this includes getting them out of the house and speaking to a qualified lawyer Hervey Bay.
- Anxiety
Perhaps the most obvious sign is when someone is anxious a lot of the time. The anxiety is likely to increase when they are heading back to an abuser or doing something they know the abuser wouldn’t approve of.
It can quickly make someone withdrawn.
- Isolation
People that are abused become fearful of situations which may get them in trouble with their abuser. They will also feel the need to hide the events from their friends. This is often due to embarrassment or shame. Unfortunately, that means they become isolated as they see their friends less and less.
If you notice someone become more isolated you need to look at why this is happening.
- Change of Personality
As mentioned, people being emotionally abused will often become anxious. This is only one of the changes you’ll notice in their personality. In many ways, the person will change and be nothing like the person they were.
This is easier for outsiders to see as the changes happen slowly and are more difficult for someone who is abused to spot or adjust.
But, if you notice that a friend or loved one’s personality has dramatically changed over a few months then there is a good chance they are being abused.
- Controlled
Anyone abusing someone, whether physically or emotionally, wants to be in charge. That means the isolation the abused person experiences is a good thing from their point of view. It makes it easier to control them and get away with the abuse.
If your loved one appears to be controlled by their spouse they are either being blackmailed or being emotionally abused.
- Verbal Insults
Emotional abuse generally starts with verbal insults and then proceeds into guilt and other emotional responses guaranteed to make someone do what the abuser wants.
Verbal insults will commonly start when the couple are out with others. You may be surprised that your friend or loved one accepts the insult. This is a clear warning sign that they are being emotionally abused and need your help.
Helping Them
It can be very hard for someone who is being emotionally abused to extract themselves from the situation. You need to let them know you are there for them, give them a safe place to go to, and slowly encourage them to leave. It takes time but it works.