Legal Definitions - emotional abuse

Emotional abuse is a type of abuse that causes serious emotional harm. It can be physical or mental abuse that affects a person's feelings and emotions. Emotional abuse can happen in many different relationships, such as between partners, parents and children, or even friends.

• A partner constantly belittling and insulting their significant other, causing them to feel worthless and unloved.
• A parent constantly criticizing and blaming their child for everything, causing them to feel guilty and ashamed.
• A friend spreading rumors and gossip about another friend, causing them to feel isolated and alone.

These examples illustrate emotional abuse because they all involve one person intentionally causing emotional harm to another person. The abuser uses words or actions to manipulate, control, or hurt the victim's feelings and emotions. This type of abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse and can have long-lasting effects on a person's mental health and well-being.