6 Signs That You Are A Victim Of Verbal Violence

When we hear the word “violence,” we usually automatically think of physical aggression. However, there is also verbal violence, which,  without leaving any visible harm, is just as harmful as physical violence. In this article, we talk about six signs that tell you that you may be a victim of verbal violence.

Due to the lack of external or physical signs, it is difficult to identify a victim of verbal violence, even when you are possibly one yourself. For that reason, you should be vigilant when the following signs appear.

How do you know you are a victim of verbal violence?

1. You feel fear even if you don’t even shout

We may mistakenly think that verbal violence is the same as shouting, but it is not always the case. In fact, a verbal or mental abuser tends to manipulate and make the victim doubt themselves.

The batterer may even use a kind and loving tone of voice. Therefore, you should always remember that even if someone is not behaving aggressively, it does not mean that he or she could not be an assailant. It can also involve threats, either direct or indirect.

Are you worried about how another person might react if you don’t do something? Are you constantly afraid to say your own comments? Do you take care of every word and deed so you don’t just bother him?

2. He constantly compares you or blames you for everything

We all want to respect our own individuality and accept ourselves as we are. However, verbal violence often undermines our self-confidence through comparison  and guilt.

No one wants to hear that someone else is wiser, more beautiful, or doing things better, especially when it is said in a rebuke, mockery, or cruel way. Listening to it every day is a big blow to our self-esteem.

• You need to leave such a situation as soon as you notice the problem.
• Remember that  no one has the right to make you feel inferior under  any circumstances.
• Guilt comes from comparison and it is normal for the abuser to make you feel guilty for the slightest thing.

3. You feel scared all the time

You may find yourself a victim of verbal violence if you feel fear when you are close to that person.

That character can be very subtle and ranges from jokes and derogatory comments to inappropriate language that harms your self-esteem.

Needless to say, intimidation can reach a more worrying level and you may be forced to do something you don’t want or consider degrading.

4. You feel accused or questioned all the time

Direct attacks are also a sign of verbal violence. They have their roots in the lack of security and confidence that a violent person has suffered. In general, this lack of self-confidence is associated with low self-esteem, which makes you question your every move and deed.

• It is possible that these questions and accusations are gradual, so you need  to be vigilant to detect the origin of the situation.

• A common mistake is to start giving explanations to calm your fears. The problem is that over time, the situation will get worse.

5. You have negative mood swings

It has to do with humanity that we are affected by everything around us. Thus, being a victim of some form of verbal violence can leave us with several consequences that we will recognize if we pay attention to them.

• Try to be aware of your mood when you are close to other people: can you distinguish between those who make you happy and those who burden you?

If you recognize that  someone is just bringing you a constant feeling of discomfort,  be it sadness or discomfort, it’s time to avoid her.

• Sometimes it’s hard to recognize that someone has the ability to influence you, but it’s better to accept it and take a distance from it.
• It is very important to pay attention to what you feel behind your expectations, because those people tend to be very subtle about their violence.

If it’s your partner or someone you love, you should try to be objective so you can tell what’s causing the harm. Based on that, decide what steps you plan to take to improve your situation.

6. You are the abuser of another person

People learn from the behavior they see. In the case of violence, unfortunately,  many victims become the perpetrators themselves. 

For example, a child who has grown up in an environment where his or her parents did not control his or her feelings is likely to become a verbally aggressive adult because he or she did not learn to control his or her own feelings.

Of course, there are always ways to heal and break these circles. It is advisable to look for an expert to help you deal with the violence you have suffered  and to give you guidelines for building healthy relationships.

Responds to verbal violence

It is not very easy to recognize and accept that you are a victim of verbal violence. Remember that your well-being depends on the attention you give to the situation in which you live.

Before you think about how the people around you react or any other factors, remember that  your main concern should be yourself.