Emotional Abuse

3 Pages 755 Words

I. Attention Getter: When you think of battering, you might immediately think of black eyes and bloody noses, and in part you’re right. But a violent relationship usually begins with use of emotional abuse. Even if emotional battering is used without physical violence even entering it, it’s still abuse.
II. Psychological orientation: Emotional abuse is occurring in 1/3 of relationships in today’s society. I know many people, including myself that have been a suspect of emotional abuse.
III. Logical orientation: First I will discuss what emotional abuse is, secondly the signs and effects, and third the prevention.

Transition: First I will discuss what emotional abuse is.
Body
I. Main point #1: Emotional abuse is any kind of abuse that is emotional rather than physical in nature. It can include anything from verbal abuse and constant criticism to more subtle tactics, such as repeated disapproval or even the refusal to ever be pleased. (Definition)
A. Sub point #1: Abuse does not have to be physical.
1. Sub-sub point #1: Emotional abuse is as damaging as physical abuse, though is often harder to recognize, and therefore to recover from. (Definition)
2. Sub-sub point #2: Emotional abuse causes long term self esteem issues and profound emotional repercussions for the partners of abusers. (Definition)
3. Sub- sub point #3: Abuse typically alternates with declaration of love and statements that they will change, providing a “hook” to keep the partner in the relationship.
Sub Point # 2: Abusive relationships are progressive.
1. Sub-sub point #1: Abusive relationships get worse over time. (Definition)
2. Sub- sub point #2: Emotional and verbal abuse frequently shifts to more overt threats or physical abuse, particularly in times of stress.
3. Sub-sub point #3: Abusers are generally very needy and controlling; the abuse escalates when they feel they may lose their partner, or when...