Psychological or Emotional Abuse

Psychological abuse involves the regular and deliberate use of a range of words and non-physical actions used with the purpose to manipulate, hurt, weaken or frighten a person mentally and emotionally; and/or distort, confuse or influence a person’s thoughts and actions within their everyday lives, changing their sense of self and harming their wellbeing.
SafeLives

Everyone working within your Religious Life Group should ensure they are familiar with the Indicators and Signs of Psychological or Emotional Abuse…

Enforced social isolation – preventing someone accessing services, educational and social opportunities and seeing friends

Removing mobility or communication aids or intentionally leaving someone unattended when they need assistance

Preventing someone from meeting their religious and cultural needs

Preventing the expression of choice and opinion

Failure to respect privacy

Preventing stimulation, meaningful occupation or activities

Intimidation, coercion, harassment, use of threats, humiliation, bullying, swearing or verbal abuse

Addressing a person in a patronising or infantilising way

Threats of harm or abandonment

Cyber bullying

Poisonous relationships can alter our perception. You can spend many years thinking you’re worthless… but you’re not worthless; you’re unappreciated.
Steve Maraboli