Changing for Good: Violence Prevention Program
The Violence Prevention Program is part of the Changing for Good service and is for men who are worried about their thoughts and behaviour escalating to physical violence.
Read moreUnderstand what constitutes verbal abuse including the key signs to look for and how you can avoid it.
Domestic and family violence can take many forms, including emotional, financial, physical, sexual, and spiritual abuse. One common form of this abuse is verbal abuse, where a person uses words to gain power and control over their partner (or ex-partner). Although not present in all types of abuse, verbal abuse often forms part of other patterns of domestic violence, such as physical and emotional abuse.
Verbal abuse can occur in different types of relationships- including adult to child, peer to peer, or even in workplace relationships. In the case of intimate partner relationships, it’s particularly important to look at the difference between “normal” arguments, and verbal abuse.
Arguments are an unavoidable part of most relationships. While it’s not always possible to resolve differences, it’s important to try and create a safe environment where you can appreciate the other person’s opinion, even when you disagree. You can start by discussing boundaries and decide in advance how you will respectfully resolve conflict, ideally without yelling or name calling. Try to listen effectively to your partner and understand their perspective, or sometimes just simply ‘agree to disagree’.
While it’s important to aim to respectfully resolve differences, many people still have one-off unhealthy arguments where they yell at each other, or get angry. This alone does not constitute abuse. Verbal abuse is when the arguments are ongoing and uneven, and one partner regularly initiates arguments to degrade, control, or dominate the other.
Long term effects of verbal abuse on victims can include low self-esteem, self-doubt, self-harm, and anxiety. Victims may also find it difficult to make decisions and doubt their own ability to communicate.
If you think that your behaviour may constitute signs of verbal abuse (or any form of domestic violence) there are some steps you can take to get help to change your behaviour:
If you’re experiencing family or domestic violence you can call MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78, or visit 1800RESPECT.
The Violence Prevention Program is part of the Changing for Good service and is for men who are worried about their thoughts and behaviour escalating to physical violence.
Read moreSexual abuse is a form of domestic violence, which can be defined as unwanted sexual activity. This activity is not just physical – it can also include verbal & emotional elements. Understand the signs and effects of sexual abuse and how to get help.
Read moreDomestic and family violence can take many forms – it can include many different types of behaviour including emotional, physical, sexual, spiritual and verbal abuse. One form of domestic violence which is often overlooked is financial abuse.
Read moreDomestic and family violence can take many forms. One common, and often unrecognised, form of domestic violence is emotional abuse, which is an ongoing pattern of behaviour intended to cause emotional harm.
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