There are two forms of domestic violence, physical and emotional abuse; both are deadly. Physical abuse can lead to injury or sudden death, but emotional abuse is also a silent killer. Most people ignore the emotional abuse, but it is just as worrying as it impacts the physical health negatively too!
Emotional abuse is not a one-time incident but a pattern of recurring incidents in which the victim is verbally abused, insulted, threatened, rejected, devalued, ridiculed, ignored, emotionally manipulated or controlled, isolated, abandoned or neglected. I have heard of men and women withholding intimacy from their partners with the subtle intention of demoralizing them.
Physical abuse is usually preceded by emotional abuse. It is easier to get help for a relationship and set boundaries at the stage of the emotional abuse. Don’t be fooled by profuse apologies; the abuser typically apologizes after each abusive occurrence, showers the victim with gifts and affection only to repeat the abuse cycle again and again.
Three women die every day in the US from domestic violence. Surprisingly, I regularly work with many professional women in this predicament. Domestic violence is no respecter of persons; indeed, it cuts across all works of life.
Victims of emotional abuse are usually isolated and have no trusted friends. The abuser targets the mind of the victim by brainwashing them into believing that they are the cause of the ill-treatment they are subjected to. Many women and men internalize the abuse and experience enormous shame and guilt. They try to keep up appearances instead of reaching out for help. In the long run, the abuser will eventually leave them or kill them.
At the Potter's Hand Institute of Marriage and Healthy Relationships, we treat those who commit the act of violence and the victims of domestic violence. This treatment program is for women and men who have experienced abuse (and some may not even realize it). We offer a place of safety and support where women and men can come to heal from wounds inflicted in the course of their lives. We offer couples the opportunity to be finally able to STOP and process their experiences.
Emotional abuse is not a one-time incident but a pattern of recurring incidents in which the victim is verbally abused, insulted, threatened, rejected, devalued, ridiculed, ignored, emotionally manipulated or controlled, isolated, abandoned or neglected. I have heard of men and women withholding intimacy from their partners with the subtle intention of demoralizing them.
Physical abuse is usually preceded by emotional abuse. It is easier to get help for a relationship and set boundaries at the stage of the emotional abuse. Don’t be fooled by profuse apologies; the abuser typically apologizes after each abusive occurrence, showers the victim with gifts and affection only to repeat the abuse cycle again and again.
Three women die every day in the US from domestic violence. Surprisingly, I regularly work with many professional women in this predicament. Domestic violence is no respecter of persons; indeed, it cuts across all works of life.
Victims of emotional abuse are usually isolated and have no trusted friends. The abuser targets the mind of the victim by brainwashing them into believing that they are the cause of the ill-treatment they are subjected to. Many women and men internalize the abuse and experience enormous shame and guilt. They try to keep up appearances instead of reaching out for help. In the long run, the abuser will eventually leave them or kill them.
At the Potter's Hand Institute of Marriage and Healthy Relationships, we treat those who commit the act of violence and the victims of domestic violence. This treatment program is for women and men who have experienced abuse (and some may not even realize it). We offer a place of safety and support where women and men can come to heal from wounds inflicted in the course of their lives. We offer couples the opportunity to be finally able to STOP and process their experiences.