Emotional Abuse
What is Emotional Abuse?
Emotional abuse is when someone uses words or actions to hurt your feelings, control you, make you feel scared, worthless, or confused - over and over.
Emotional Abuse is not a big deal.
False. Emotional abuse can be just as harmful - and sometimes even longer lasting- than physical abuse. It damages a person's self-worth, safety, and emotional health.
What is Adult Domestic Violence?
When one adult in a close relationship - like a partner, spouse, or ex uses power and control to hurt, scare, or control the other person.
Name one healthy way to cope with overwhelming feelings.
Journaling, Deep breathing, going for a walk, working out, talking to a friend, listening to music.
What are examples of Emotional Abuse?
-Constant yelling, criticizing, or name-calling
-Blaming the teen/child for adult problems
-Threatening to hurt or leave
-Gaslighting (denying things that really happened)
-Controlling what they do, who they see, or how they feel
-Humiliating or mocking them, sometimes in front of others
If someone didn't hit me, it wasn't abuse.
False. Abuse isn't just physical. Emotional abuse is real and harmful, even without any hitting.
What types of abuse can domestic violence include?
-Emotional Abuse
-Sexual Abuse
-Controlling Behaviors (isolating from friends)
-Financial Control (taking someone's money, not letting them work)
This type of therapy helps teens who've experienced emotional abuse.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
How Can Emotional Abuse affect kids or teens?
-Often feel worthless, hopeless, or constantly worried
-Thoughts of self-harm or wanting to hurt themselves
-They may feel like they are bad or to blame for the abuse
- Some teens shut down emotionally to protect themselves
Emotional abuse can happen in families, friendships, and romantic relationships.
True. Anyone can be emotionally abusive- not just parents or partners.
How can a child feel when they witness violence between two parents?
Fearful, confusion, guilt.
Healing from emotional abuse means you'll never have bad days again.
False. Healing takes time and ups and downs - and that's okay.
How can Emotional Abuse affect kids or teens' thoughts?
-Negative thoughts "I'm not good enough" "No one cares about me" "I'm a failure"
-They can think that others will do the same and hurt them
Emotional abuse can make someone feel like everything is their fault.
True. A common effect of emotional abuse is internalizing blame, guilt, or shame - even when it's not deserved.
What are ways teens can behave after witnessing frequent fighting at home?
-Shutting down (withdrawing_
-Acting out (aggression)
Asking for help is a sign of weakness.
False. Asking for help is a sign of strength and courage.
Are kids at fault for the Emotional Abuse?
No matter what, emotional abuse is never a kid's fault. Adults are responsible for how they treat others.
If a parent or stepparent says hurtful things, it's okay because they're just trying to discipline.
False. Discipline should be respectful and not involve threats, humiliation, or emotional harm. Abuse is never justified by authority.
Many kids believe this about violence they witness - even though it's not true.
"It's my fault" "I caused it" "I should have stopped it"
This strategy helps you stay present in the moment, especially when you have a lot of thoughts and are overwhelmed.
Grounding or Mindfulness.