Emotional abuse

There is no single accepted definition of emotional abuse which, like other forms of violence in a relationship, is based on power and domination.

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The following lists indicators that you can use to gauge whether you are being subjected to emotional abuse (adapted from http://www.thisisawar.com/AbuseEmotional.htm):

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:*You understand their feelings, but they never attempt to understand yours

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:*They dismiss your difficulties or issues as unimportant or an overreaction

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:*They do not listen to you

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:*They always put their needs before yours

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:*They expect you to perform tasks that you find unpleasant or humiliating

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:*You "walk on eggshells" in an effort not to upset them

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:*They ignore logic and prefer histrionics in order to remain the centre of attention

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:*They manipulate you into feeling guilty for things that have nothing to do with you

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:*They attempt to destroy any outside support you receive by belittling that support in an effort to retain exclusive control over your emotions

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:*They never take responsibility for hurting others

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:*They blame everyone and everything else for any unfortunate events in their lives

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:*They perceive themselves as martyrs or victims and constantly expect preferential treatment.

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