Military Rape Crisis Center

A common misconception about abuse is that it always involves physical violence. In reality, abuse can take many forms, including emotional abuse, which can be just as damaging but often goes unnoticed.

What Is Emotional Abuse?
Emotional abuse includes any behavior meant to control, manipulate, threaten, or belittle another person. Unlike physical abuse, it doesn’t leave visible marks, but its impact can be profound. Many survivors struggle with diminished self-worth and long-lasting psychological trauma, even after the abuse has ended.

Recognizing the Signs
Emotional abuse is often subtle, making it harder to identify than physical abuse. Many people mistake it for normal relationship conflict. However, certain patterns signal abuse, including:

Controlling, jealous, or possessive behavior

Humiliating or belittling comments meant to make the person feel stupid or worthless

Isolating the person from friends or family, or discouraging those relationships

Gaslighting—manipulating feelings, distorting events, or making the person doubt their own reality

Invalidating the person’s feelings or making them feel like they are always wrong

Monitoring or restricting their communication, transportation, or finances

Disrespecting boundaries or privacy

Threatening self-harm to control the other person or prevent them from leaving

Like survivors of physical abuse, those experiencing emotional abuse often feel shame, confusion, or responsibility for their situation. It’s important to remember: abuse is never the victim’s fault, and help is available.

At the Military Rape Crisis Center, we believe everyone deserves a life free from violence. Our mission is to support survivors, advocate for justice, and raise awareness about abuse within military and veteran communities. We offer trauma-informed services, including crisis intervention, counseling, and legal advocacy.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, reach out to us for confidential support. You are not alone.