Emotional abuse leaves no physical marks. Emotional abuse is a behavioral pattern that attacks a child's self-esteem and emotional development. This type of abuse is the least understood out of all types of abuse (Emotional Abuse, 1996). It includes excessive, aggressive or unreasonable demands that place expectations on a child (Kraizer,1996). This type of abuse causes the child to see themselves as unworthy of love and affection. Children who are constantly belittled suffer at least as much, if not more, than those who are physically abused. Emotional abuse is often accompanied by neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse (EBSCOhost). The bruises left of physical abuse go away, but the scars of emotional abuse can stay forever. .
Types of Emotional Abuse.
There are many types of emotional abuse. This pattern of behavior takes on five forms: rejecting, isolating, ignoring,terrorizing, and corrupting (Garbarino, 1998). Parents who lack the ability to bond will often display rejection towards a child. The parent is usually unable to form a bond with the child. Many abused children are told that they are unwanted and are often blamed for the family problems. This leaves the child feeling as though they add nothing to the family (Emotional Abuse, 1996). Usually parents that never had their emotional needs met are unable to meet their child's needs. Parents ignore their children as a result. Many times the parent is there but emotionally absent. By terrorizing a child, the parent may single out a child to punish or criticize. The child is usually humiliated for showing signs of normal emotions (Emotional Abuse, 1996). By isolating a child, they are unable to associate with their peers. The parents may keep a child in their room or keep them from involving themselves with extracurricular activities. The less a child interacts with others, the less other people will take notice of any abuse taking place.