Detecting Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse may be difficult to detect. However, personal awareness and understanding of the issue is the key to recognising it. The following indicators may help in detecting emotional abuse.
Possible Indicators of Emotional Abuse and Neglect
Children | Adults |
| -depression -withdrawal -low self-esteem -severe anxiety -fearfulness -failure to thrive in infancy -aggression -emotional instability -sleep disturbances -physical complaints with no medical basis -inappropriate behaviour for age or development -overly passive/compliant -suicide attempts or discussion -extreme dependence -underachievement -inability to trust -stealing -other forms of abuse present or suspected | -depression -withdrawal -low self-esteem -severe anxiety -fearfulness -feelings of shame and guilt -frequent crying -self-blame/self-depreciation -overly passive/compliant -social isolation -delay or refusal of medical treatment -discomfort or nervousness around caregiver or relative -suicide attempts or discussion -substance abuse -avoidance of eye contact -other forms of abuse present or suspected |
What Can You Do?
IF YOU ARE BEING ABUSED:
Remember:
• You are not alone
• It is not your fault
• No one ever deserves to be abused
• Help is available
IF YOU SUSPECT OR KNOW THAT SOMEONE IS BEING ABUSED:
• Listen
• Believe
• Support
• Let the person know about available support services
• Report suspected or known child abuse or neglect to a child welfare agency or the police
IF YOU ARE A SERVICE PROVIDER:
Work with other organizations to:
• Increase awareness of emotional abuse
• Address the needs of those who have been or are being emotionally abused
• Keep informed of resources and materials relating to intervention and prevention of abuse
Where to Go for Support Services
-24 hour help-line or distress line
-transition house or shelter
-social service agency
-child welfare or family services agency
-police
-legal aid service
-health professional (e.g., nurse, doctor, dentist)
-community health centre
-public health department
-community counselling centre
-home support agency
-seniors' centre
-community living association
-friendship centre
-religious organization
Yun Fei