VERBAL
Verbal abuse is language that is hurtful to the listener and intended to cause pain. If your partner makes fun of you in front of others, points out your flaws, or tells you to "SHUT UP," that is verbal abuse. The abuse is intentional and used to control the victim. The longer you stay in a verbally abusive relationship the lower your sense of self confidence and self-worth will become. Verbal abuse is the catalyst to physical violence. The verbal attacks will escalate and become more frequent. Manipulation is also a form of verbal abuse. The abuser says things like, "If you love me, you'll do ____." or "Well, at least I never hit you!" Using silence or ignoring you is yet another form of verbal abuse.
