Womens Aid say domestic violence and abuse is:
Destructive criticism and verbal abuse: shouting/mocking/accusing/name calling/verbally threatening
Disrespect: persistently putting you down in front of other people, not listening or responding when you talk, interrupting your telephone calls, taking money from your purse without asking, refusing to help with childcare or housework.
Denial: saying the abuse doesn't happen, saying you caused the abusive behaviour, being publicly gentle and patient, crying and begging for forgiveness, saying it will never happen again.
SheSells, what would you say if someone on here, or in RL said "My husband just beat me black and blue - my arm is broken...... but he's ok really - he just needs to sort his temper out"
What would you say to her?
Sweetheart, your HEART and your HEAD is broken - think of it as a broken limb. He's been beating you black and blue with words, not fists.
It's the same thing... but emotional abuse is harder to accept and beleive because there's no physical scars.
Please, please, PLEASE consider things in the cold light of physical pain - transfer your feelings inside to a limb; would it be broken? shattered? need a plastercast? need therapy to get better? ................ now what about you? inside? are you broken?
Think shells - and please don't give him the excuse that he just needs to grow up. He is grown up and this is how he is.