Mentally Abusive Relationships
Mentally abusive relationships are the hardest type of abuse to identify. As there are no physical wounds, the mentally abusive relationship is one where the mind and emotions are often under the direct control of the abuser. This can range from aspects including choice of friends and social circles to financial matters. Both men and women can be the abuser in mentally abusive relationships.
If you have been in mentally abusive relationships in the past, it is important to understand that most abusers were abused in their pasts. If you have been abused, you are at a high risk of becoming an abuser yourself. This can be avoided, however, through counseling and a strong desire to stop the generational abuse cycle.
Below, you will find a list of characteristics associated with mentally abusive relationships.
1: Being Controlled.
The abusers in mentally abusive relationships may suffer from several problems that make them insecure. This insecurity leads them to trying to control all aspects of their lives, including friends and family. If the abuser feels threatened by the friends of the victim, he or she may try to stop the friendship. Financial control may be used as a way to prevent the victim from being able to leave the relationship.
2: Aggression.
While there may not be physical violence in mentally abusive relationships, the abuser is typically aggressive in nature. This can be a blend of them being self centered and greedy. However, short tempers can also be classed as aggressive behavior. Mentally abusive relationships can degrade to physically abusive relationships if the abuser is extremely aggressive.
3: Apathy.
The abuser in mentally abusive relationships is often apathetic towards the victim. However, this is not always the case. If your partner seems apathetic towards you, you may be at risk of mental abuse.
4: Unwilling to accept 'No' as an answer.
This is one of the top characteristics of abusers in mentally abusive relationships. The word 'no' often does not seem to exist in their dictionary. If your partner does not seem to be able to accept no as an answer, you may be in a mentally abusive relationship.
There is help if you have been involved in mentally abusive relationships. There are charity groups, support groups, hot lines and reading material available to the victim's, as well as available to their friends and family. If you are being abused, you need to seek help before the mental abuse you are suffering degrades into physical or sexual abuse.