The main difference between emotional and physical abuse is that emotional abuse is a way to control by using emotions to embarrass, shame, frighten, criticize, blame or manipulate another, while physical abuse is intentionally causing injury or trauma to another person by way of bodily contact.
Some people think that emotional abuse is less harmful than physical abuse, but this not true. Both are equally harmful and no less damaging than the other.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Emotional Abuse
– Definition, Features
2. What is Physical Abuse
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Emotional and Physical Abuse
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Emotional Abuse, Physical Abuse
What is Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is a form of abuse that is emotional in nature rather than physical. It’s a way to control by using emotions to embarrass, shame, frighten, criticize, blame or manipulate another. Emotional abuse may be difficult to identify, but it’s not less serious or damaging than physical abuse. Emotional abuse can lower a person’s self-esteem and affect their mental health. Furthermore, emotional abuse is common in dating and marriage, but it may also occur among family relationship, friends, or co-workers.
We can call a relationship emotionally abusive if there’s a constant use of abusive words and bullying behaviour. If your partner is emotionally abusive, he or she may make you feel that you are not good enough; he or she may constantly threaten to end the relationship unless you do what they say. He or she may also threaten to hurt you, himself/herself or others if you end the relationship. Some of these behaviours may include:
Verbal abuse – swearing, yelling at you, or insulting you
Causing fear – making you feel intimated or threatened
Rejection – always rejecting your ideas and opinions
Put-downs – telling you that you are stupid, calling you names, blaming you for everything, publicly embarrassing you
Isolation – stopping you from contacting your friends and family and limiting your freedom of movement.
Gaslighting – making you doubt yourself by manipulating the truth
Emotional abuse can accompany other forms of abuse, like physical abuse or sexual abuse. But it’s important to remember that it does not need to include other forms of abuse to be considered as abuse. Emotional abuse is a serious concern on its own.
What is Physical Abuse
Physical abuse can be defined as intentionally causing injury or trauma to another person by way of bodily contact. Children often become victims of physical abuse, especially as a result of parents’ attempts at disciplining them using corporal punishment. Physical abuse can also happen in a romantic/sexual relationship, i.e., in dating or marriage. However, no one – spouse, romantic partner, parents, or family member – has the right to abuse another person.
In a relationship, physical abuse may start gradually, usually with a slap or a push, but this type of abuse may intensify time. Physical abuse may include acts like slapping, choking, hair-pulling, shaking, hitting, kicking, any type of harm with a weapon. It can also include threats to hurt you or your loved ones.
Sometimes, the abuser may even blame the victim for doing or saying something that leads to violent behaviour. The abusive behaviour may also be a result of alcohol or drug use, stress or frustration. Whatever the reason, physical abuse is a criminal act, it’s essential that the victim seek help.
Difference Between Emotional and Physical Abuse
Definition
Emotional abuse is a way to control by using emotions to embarrass, shame, frighten, criticize, blame or manipulate another, while physical abuse is intentionally causing injury or trauma to another person by way of bodily contact.
Actions
Emotional abuse involves verbal abuse and bullying behaviour, while physical abuse involves physical harm and violent actions. However, this does not mean that emotional abuse is less serious or less damaging than physical abuse.
Conclusion
The main difference between emotional and physical abuse is that emotional abuse is a way to control by using emotions to embarrass, shame, frighten, criticize, blame or manipulate another, while physical abuse is intentionally causing injury or trauma to another person by way of bodily contact. Both are equally harmful and no less damaging than the other.
Reference:
1. “What Is Physical Abuse?” Abuse and Violence | ReachOut Australia, Available here.
2. Gordon, Sherri. “How to Identify and Cope With Emotional Abuse.” Verywell Mind, 17 Sept. 2020, Available here.
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