Psychological Violence: Still Violence, Still a Crime

Psychological VIOLENCE Still Violence, Still a Crime No woman – whether a member of the high class or earning the minimum wage - is immune to domestic violence, be it physical, emotional, psychological, or economical. Although studied less than other forms of intimate partner violence, psychological abuse is the only reality known to millions of women across the globe, with dramatic consequences for those abused. UNDERSTANDING PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE 1 in 3 women has experienced psychological partner violence, either by the victim's current partner or a former partner. Typical abusive behaviors Humiliation in public or private Interdiction to leave the house Coercion to watch pornographic material against the victim's wishes Intentional intimidation Threats made against a partner or directed towards someone they care about HIGHER STATUS, GREATER VIOLENCE Women who have a higher income or education than their partners are more likely to suffer psychological (and physical) violence. Violence or Women earning more than 67% of the household income were 7 times control is used as a more likely to be psychologically and physically abused, compared to those who earn less than 33 percent. compensation for the partner's weak position in the relationship. 15 SCARRING THE BRAIN FOR LIFE According to research, emotional abuse leaves a different kind of scar on the brain. A brain region that typically is 5 mm. thick on average, in abuse survivors it is just 3 mm. to 4 mm. The effects of psychological abuse were seen in regions associated with: This could leave abused individuals prone to: Understanding and controlling emotions Depression Moodiness Recognizing and responding to the feelings of others Extreme or dulled emotional responsiveness Self-awareness Psychological Abuse, Most Prevalent Form of Child Abuse Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me. FALSE Psychological abuse can have the same impact as physical abuse on small children: Almost 1 in 10 women and 4% of men in the Children are abused by: U.S. and Britain have suffered severe psychological abuse in childhood. • Belittling • Denigrating • Terrorizing • Exploiting • Corrupting • Withholding love • Having unrealistic expectations 8-9% 4% THE SILENT KILLER: WORKPLACE ABUSE Workplace abuse has become an epidemic all across North America, costing the hundreds of millions in lost days and low productivity. economy Two surveys by the Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI) and Zogby International revealed that: 35% 34% of workers experienced bullying first hand. of all women report emotional abuse in the workplace. Who are the Bullies? 62% are men Bosses Managers Supervisors Executives Unreasonable Work demands Discounting Accomplishments Threatening Job loss Blaming for Errors Stealing credit was the decrease in performance measured in bullied employees during cognitive tests. Billion per year are the financial costs of bullying. 50% $200 SOURCES: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalists/sarah-knapton/10679238/Educated-and-well-paid-women-more-likely -to-suffer-domestic-abuse.html http://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra-2014-vaw-survey-main-results_en.pdf http://www.ncadv.org/files/PsychologicalAbuse.pdf https://www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/research/briefings/emotionalabuse_wda48215.html http://healthland.time.com/2013/06/05/sexual-and-emotional-abuse-scar-the-brain-in-specific-ways/ http://www.cbsnews.com/news/psychological-abuse-may-be-most-prevalent-form-of-child-abuse-experts-say/ http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wired-success/201105/the-silent-epidemic-workplace-bullying LAW OFFICES OF Brought to you by: www.chicagocriminallawyer.com ANDREW M. WEISBERG