Domestic violence affects a staggering 10 million people every year. However, not all domestic violence is physical. Abuse can be emotional, verbal, and psychological, and is unfortunately very common in relationships. It could take years of domestic abuse counseling to learn how to move past it.
There are many ways in which someone can experience domestic violence. Let’s learn how to notice the non-physical signs of domestic violence from our expert in Rochelle.
Insults and Humiliation
One form of non-physical domestic abuse comes in the form of insults and humiliation. Insulting or humiliating someone is a way for this person to exert their own power over you by diminishing you verbally.
Some examples of this are name-calling, belittling, consistent mockery, and more. This type of abuse can make you feel small and unworthy based on the insults of your abuser. It is a form of bullying, and it doesn’t just happen to children in the Rochelle area.
These microaggressions can seem like nothing. However, they are indeed warning signs of domestic abuse and can negatively affect your mental health.
Acting Jealous and Possessive
Acting jealous and being overly possessive are also other domestic abuse signs. In romantic relationships, your partner will constantly accuse you of cheating on them, even with people that you barely know. For example, being friendly to the cashier at your local store could spark intense jealousy from your partner.
Your partner can also turn their intense jealousy into possessive traits. They may ask you to isolate yourself from loved ones or even remove them from your life altogether. This could include anyone from your own parents to your friends.
Controlling Daily Activities and Money
If your partner insists on having a say in what you do, how you spend your money, and how you live your life in Rochelle, you could be dealing with non-physical domestic violence.
In these cases, your abuser will monitor when you leave the house and where you go. They will know your every move and how you spend every cent. In extreme cases, abusers will control what you wear, where you go, and who you speak to.
Most of these people also have their names on all financial accounts such as bank accounts, credit cards, and even mortgages. This allows them to control what you own and gives them the legal right to decide to kick you out of your home or leave you without any financial support.
Making Threats
Other non-physical warning signs of domestic violence are threats and intimidation. This person will create an environment that is extremely intimidating. This will make you feel like you’re walking on eggshells to try and avoid inevitable confrontation.
This person will also make threats of financial harm, physical harm to you and your loved ones, and even threaten forced sexual acts. Using intimidation and threats is another way for an abuser to take complete control over your life by means of fear.
Signs of Domestic Violence for Those Suffering in Rochelle
There are many non-physical signs of domestic violence that can threaten your mental health. and in some cases, evolve into physical abuse and harm. It’s important to notice these signs as soon as possible and make a plan to get out of the situation.
If you need more information on how to spot these warning signs or how to seek help and safety for you or your loved ones in the Rochelle area, please visit our counseling services website to learn more.