Responding to Verbal Abuse: Strategies for Protection and Empowerment

Verbal abuse may not cause physical pain, but it can leave deep emotional and psychological scars on its victims. This abuse can happen in almost any situation: at work, at school, and, especially, in relationships. Verbal abuse can make its victims feel unloved, hurt, anxious and diminished. People who are being verbally abused usually don't know what to do about the abuse. If you're being verbally abused, there are ways to respond to and control it.

Instructions

• 1

  Stay calm and control your emotions. Do not attempt to retaliate in the same way. The abuser wants you to retaliate because it shows that she has control over your emotions. Your retaliating will also provoke her, escalating the abuse.

• 2

  Explain to the abuser how hurtful her words are. Responding to her in a light, calm manner may lead her to halt the abuse. She'll become confused and eventually stop altogether.

• 3

  Don't take the abuser's words personally. Be aware that the abuser is insecure about herself. She needs to abuse others to feel more powerful.

• 4

  Seek counseling. If you're in a relationship with a verbally abusive partner, this will help to sort things out and get to the root of the problem.

• 5

  Obtain social support from friends and family. Tell them about the abuse and how it makes you feel. They'll be able to offer advice and comfort, and help you realize that you're not alone.