This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD and by How.com.vn staff writer, Sophie Burkholder, BA. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013.
There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Emotional abuse affects millions of people, both young and old. The effects of emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this. To prove that someone is emotionally abusing you or your child, you will need examples of the abuse—such as abusive emails or witnesses. If you have evidence that someone is being emotionally abused, you should contact the appropriate authorities immediately.
Proving Emotional Abuse
Keep a journal of each instance of emotional abuse, and hold onto any supporting evidence such as text messages, emails, smartphone footage, witness testimonies, and medical records. Ask for evaluation by a licensed psychologist who can look for signs of emotional abuse.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
- Most U.S. family courts judge emotional abuse and physical abuse on the same level, as they both threaten the abused person’s safety. In custody cases, a parent may gain sole custody if they can prove that the other parent has emotionally abused their child.[15]Thanks
- If you are in danger of serious injury because of the abuse, then you should seek immediate help. You can worry about documenting the abuse at a later date.Thanks
- If you’re a survivor of emotional abuse, it’s easy to tell yourself that it’s not that bad because it’s not violent. Emotional abuse is just as valid and can be just as damaging as emotional abuse. You deserve help and support to escape and heal from it.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/emotional-abuse
- ↑ https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/legal/how-to-prove-nonphysical-abuse-in-court
- ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/get-help/how-help-friend
- ↑ https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/legal/how-to-prove-nonphysical-abuse-in-court
- ↑ https://www.tdcaa.com/journal/lessons-on-family-violence-from-working-intake/
- ↑ https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/legal/how-to-prove-nonphysical-abuse-in-court
- ↑ https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/emotional-abuse/#support
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/child-abuse/basics/symptoms/con-20033789
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/emotional-abuse-signs
- ↑ http://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/elder-abuse-and-neglect.htm
- ↑ https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/elder-abuse/types/emotional-abuse/
- ↑ https://www.iafc.org/docs/default-source/deptadmin/tableofusefulsignsofworkplacebullying.pdf
- ↑ https://www.childhelp.org/hotline/
- ↑ https://www.eeoc.gov/harassment
- ↑ https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/legal/how-to-prove-nonphysical-abuse-in-court
About This Article
It can feel hopeless when you’re being abused emotionally, but if you find evidence you may be able to prove it and get yourself help. Emotional abuse is often harder to prove than physical abuse, but it’s still just as real and just as hurtful. Name-calling, insulting, mocking, threatening, humiliating, and manipulating are all examples of emotional abuse. One way to document abuse is to keep a journal and include what the abuser said, the date, and the names of any witnesses. You should also hold onto any emails, notes, and voicemails where they use abusive language, as this can be used as proof. If you visit the doctor and tell them how the abuse is affecting you, this can also serve as proof of emotional abuse. Regardless of whether you have proof or not, you should get out of the situation as soon as possible and get help from the police or a trusted friend. To learn how to prove elder abuse, read on.
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