| When most people think of abuse in a marriage, they | | | | Intense verbal abuse can cause a victim to have |
| naturally figure that the man is beating the woman (in | | | | feelings of low self worth and low self esteem. |
| some cases, the woman actually beats the man). | | | | Consequently, these people run the risk of falling into |
| Abuse does not always involve violence though. The | | | | a clinical depression and suffering a post-traumatic |
| greatest form of abuse that is experienced in a | | | | stress disorder. These medical conditions sometimes |
| troubled marriage is verbal abuse. | | | | have a lasting affect on the victim. |
| What exactly is verbal abuse? It is hostile language | | | | Since the law has no recourse against verbal abusers, |
| that is specifically meant to demean and hurt the | | | | what can victims do? Recognize that verbal abuse |
| listener. Many, including the courts, take the side that | | | | requires an abuser and a participator, the victim. If |
| it is harmless, but that's completely false. It can be | | | | you want to stop the abuse, don't just sit there and |
| just as dangerous as someone waving a knife in your | | | | listen; walk away. When you stay, the stronger the |
| face. This is because it is often a precursor to | | | | abuser feels, and his attacks may become more |
| physical violence. Generally, someone doesn't just | | | | frequent and crueler. The best way to stop being a |
| walk up to another person and start punching them | | | | victim is to stop allowing someone to make you one. |
| for no reason. Everything begins with words. | | | | For additional help, speak to a women's counselor or |
| Many people know there is no law against verbal | | | | a trusted family member or friend. You deserve |
| abuse in the United States so it probably isn't | | | | better than what you have now. |
| considered a real problem. These people are wrong. | | | | |