SUFFER NO MORE IN SILENCE – EMOTIONAL/VERBAL ABUSE « Ngozi Osuagwu MD

SUFFER NO MORE IN SILENCE – EMOTIONAL/VERBAL ABUSE

by Ngozi Osuagwu, MD | October 7th, 2018

Along with being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and I thought this would be a good month to discuss the last in our series –Suffer No More in Silence – Emotional/Verbal abuse. Emotional abuse is any behavior used to control and mistreat another person. It is a form of domestic violence. Emotional abuse is real and has significant consequences if not addressed. It can actually lead to physical abuse. Long term, it can manifest as physical ailments like chronic pelvic pain, headaches, depression or anxiety. Verbal abuse is the most common form of emotional abuse. Usually one is embarrassed to discuss emotional abuse because there are no physical signs.

If you think that you are being abused emotionally, you probably are and you should get help. You no longer have to suffer in silence. You are not alone and you should not feel isolated. You have rights.

The University of Michigan has published the Relationship Bill of Rights. It is a reminder for all of us.

I have the right:

To an equal and healthy relationship with my partner
To be respected
To change my mind
To kindness from my partner
To emotional support
To be listened to politely by my partner
To have my own opinions, even if my partner disagrees
To have my own feelings
To clear and honest answers to questions that concern me
To live free from criticism and judgment
To have my work and interests spoken of with respect
To encouragement
To live free from emotional and physical threat
To live free from angry outburst and rage
To be called by no names that hurts, shames or puts me down
To be respectfully asked rather than ordered
To be myself as long as I am respectful of others
To not have physical or sexual contact with my partner when I choose

If your rights are not being honored and you are afraid to get out of the relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). You do not have to be physically abused to call. Emotional abuse is real. You are not alone. Everyone has these rights regardless of their age.

For more on the Suffer No More in Silence Series – please see below:

Suffer No More in Silence – Urinary Incontinence

Suffer No More in Silence – Sexual Health

Suffer No More in Silence – Heavy Menstrual Flow

Suffer No More in Silence – Vaginal Dryness