When we think of the word abuse, the image of a beating automatically comes to mind; however, physical violence is just one form of violence. In this article we will discuss another type of violence that can occur parallel to the previous one or alone, we are talking about psychological abuse.
Manipulation, devaluation and insults are more common than beatings or beatings, yet they are not complained about and are not talked about, why?The motives are varied, some shared with physical violence, such as the feeling of shame of the victim, and others are unique to psychological violence, such as the difficulty of forensic expertise by the absence of physical marks.
- This type of violence occurs mainly at home.
- But also at work.
- In the media and in society in general.
- In many cases.
- It occurs without realizing it.
- Without noticing its “subtlety” but rather its damage.
Psychic attacks often persevere over time and act like a drop of water on a stone. Constant, continuous, causing an erosion difficult to observe if you look at it in a short time.
Something similar happens with psychological violence, the aggressor gradually explores each other’s minds until it is discredited, prevents it from performing its tasks normally, sows fear and reaps dependence.
Although this type of aggression can occur in any area, it is more common in the family and especially in the couple, in this way one makes the other feel that he is worth less, ridicules him in front of others, insults, despises him. , judge or threaten.
The victim loses the will and audacity to go out on the street, to go to certain places, to have friendships (mainly of the opposite sex), to see relatives or relatives, etc. From this violence comes addiction: the victim feels that it is useless and that it depends on his partner for everything.
It is thought that by applying excessive discipline to children, we will help them to be strong and disciplined adults, but that is not the case. Such an education can only raise frustrated children, young people and adults, full of complexity and with very low self-esteem.
Parents who mentally abuse their children do not realize that this will forge behaviors that can backfire when their children are older, especially in adolescence, which is a complicated step for them.
To answer this question, it is necessary to consider several factors and pay attention to specific circumstances, however, there are common or frequent patterns in such situations.
First of all, it is not denounced because often the assaulted person does not realize the very fact, is the work of the aggressor so fine and calculated ?, which is not perceived as a bad thing, but everyday, normal and even expected. , do it because you love me?it’s very common.
On the other hand, if the person has noticed this behavior on the other, it is difficult to prove (unlike physical aggression), in most cases the victim’s family or friends notice changes in the behavior or attitudes of both parties, and verbal attacks occur even in the context of a meeting.
In addition, psychological abuse is not reported out of fear. Sometimes the victim needs to go home to live with the abuser so that something doesn’t happen to their children or a family member.
Finally, the lack of commitment from the authorities and the lack of legislation in many countries on domestic violence, both physical and mental, make reporting very difficult.
For the abused person to change circumstances, a good option is to have contact with those who have already experienced a similar situation, there are organizations and foundations that can help, where it is possible to leave the aggressor as soon as possible so that the problem has no tragic or irreparable consequences.
In addition, therapy or conversation with close family members can be the incentive the victim needs to move on, with the support of loved ones and knowing what they have experienced, it will be easier to move on.
We cannot forget, however, that by revitalizing the self-esteem of the people we love, we will help them to be stronger in the face of this kind of aggression.