What qualifies as emotional abuse?
This type of abuse may consist of isolating the victim from his/her resources as sources of encouragement. The victim may be physically isolated by being locked in his/her home without a telephone, or source of transportation. The abuser may refuse to show any type of love or affection thereby, gaining more power in the relationship. The victim may not be able to perform at work or at home due to the great amount of stress he/she experienced as a result of the fear and anxiety he/she feels.  Here are some examples of emotional abuse:

• Ignored your feelings.
• Ridiculed or insulted your most valued beliefs, your religion, race heritage or class.
• Withheld approval, appreciation or affection as a form of “punishment”.
• Ridiculed or insulted men/women as a group.
• Continually criticized you, called you names, shouted at you.
• Insulted or drove away your friends and family.
• Humiliated you in private or public.
• Refused to socialize with you.
• Kept you from working, controlled your money, made all the decisions.
• Refused to work or share money if he/she did work.
• Took car keys or money away.
• Regularly threatened to leave or told you to leave.
• Threatened to hurt you or your family; destroyed your property.
• Punished or deprived the children when he/she was angry at you.
• Threatened to kidnap the children if you left.
• Manipulate you with lies and contradictions.
• Created such a stir at work that you were fired.