Psychological violence is typically used to gain or maintain control over someone. Respect is absent, and consent is obtained in an unacceptable manner. The common thread in all strategies involving psychological violence is that one person acts inconsiderately toward another, for example, by:
- Constantly criticizing them.
- Belittling them.
- Distorting reality to alter their perception.
- Making them doubt themselves.
- Manipulating their emotions.
- Socially isolating them.
- Etc.
This form of violence is often challenging to detect by the victims and those around them because it is subtle and hypocritical. Victims may feel manipulated as if someone is playing mind games with them, or they may sense injustice in the way they are treated. However, there are certain signs in the aggressor’s behavior that help identify psychological violence. Here are a few:
- Repeated criticism or frequent reproaches:”You never get anything right the first time!”
“You’re not feminine enough!”
“You messed that up again!”
“You’re hearing things; I never said that!” - Blackmail:”I could stop helping you if you refuse to pay me for this!”
“I know things about you that your bosses would be disappointed to learn.”
“If you leave me, I’ll commit suicide!” - False or unjustified accusations (without evidence):”I’m sure you’re cheating on me!”
“I knew I couldn’t trust you.”
“It’s your fault that I get angry; you’re unbearable!” - Threats:”If you talk to the boss about this, you’ll find me in your way.”
“Think carefully before doing anything, because you won’t see your children again.” - Psychological violence is prevalent in various environments and can occur between individuals of equal or different status. It is often present in situations of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation, but it can also manifest in a harassment context, for example, between two employees of the same level between an older parent and their adult child, and more.
- Ignorance: Pretending not to see you.
Pretending not to hear you.
Psychological violence is prevalent in various environments and can occur between individuals of equal or different status. It is often present in situations of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation, but it can also manifest in a harassment context, for example, between two employees of the same level or between an older parent and their adult child, and more.
Verbal Violence
Verbal violence is used to intimidate, humiliate, or control a person or a group. It can also be found in all forms of interactions (between strangers, with neighbors, among colleagues, between partners) and in relationships of authority (manager-staff, teacher-student, coach-athlete). This form of violence can also be a precursor to physical violence.
Similar to psychological violence, verbal violence can be challenging to recognize, as it can be normalized and ignored by many. Often, people believe it’s not their concern.
Here are some indicators to identify verbal violence:
- Sarcasm: Giving a compliment with the intention of expressing the opposite.
- Insults:”You’re a real liability to the team!”
“How do you manage to stay alive being so stupid?”
“Go back to where you came from, refugee!” - Degrading or humiliating remarks:”It’s probably your cleavage that got you your promotion.”
“We’ve never seen someone as incompetent as you; the boss should fire you.” - Shouting or giving orders: “I didn’t ask for your opinion, so shut up!”
“Stop talking nonsense if you don’t want to be called an idiot!”
