Are You Living In A
Verbally Abusive Relationship?

A verbally abusive relationship can arise between husband and wife, parents and children, or between employer and employee. Verbal abuse is not confined to name-calling; it can go much further.

It is extremely difficult to stay in verbally abusive relationship, since the victim has to face humiliation on a perpetual basis. A relationship with verbally abusive partner is strained, and creates loads of tension not only for the victim but also for the abuser.

A verbally abusive relationship between husband and wife can arise out of a misunderstanding, or from a lack of communication between the partners. Sometimes it happens that the husband wants the wife to live and work in a certain manner. The husband verbally abuses the wife if she does not comply with his wishes. Similarly, when the husband does not do things the way the wife wishes, she may verbally abuse him.

Verbal abuse is not confined to husbands and wives. A verbally abusive relationship might develop between parent and child. When children do not do things as preferred by parents, the parents might occasionally use abusive language. It is also seen that children might verbally abuse their parents if they fail to meet their demands or expectations. In certain cases, the victims of domestic violence and other forms of abuse may take up verbal abuse as a defensive reaction.

In work relationships, people in authoritative positions often abuse employees for small mistakes. This might be something so simple as the worker failing to provide output in line with expectations.

Verbally abusive relationships can lead to many problems in the long run. For example, it may result in separation and or divorce between husband and wife. Children subject to constant verbal abuse might become depressed or violent. The verbal abuse will also affect the child's self-esteem. Verbally abusive relationships in the workplace give rise to loss of production and strained work atmosphere. In extreme cases, these all may lead to the development of mental conditions among the victims, and even contribute to workplace accidents.

Both husband and wife must strive to better understand each other so as to avoid or resolve a verbally abusive relationship. You must respect your partner's viewpoint, way of working and leading a life. In case of differences, you must sort them out through discussion and cooperation, and not resort to verbal abuse.

Parents should guide their children with love and gently point out when they make a mistake. They must make their children understand the consequences of their bad actions rather than shouting at them or resorting to abusive behavior.

Any workplace is more successful if the employees work in high spirit and proudly take responsibility for their work. Verbal abuse from their employer alienates the workers from their work. The employer should try to boost the spirit of the workers through positive inspiration, not through verbal abuse.