VERBAL ABUSE:

Definition:
Terms linked to verbal abuse should include the following:

put-down; tongue-lash; ridicule; deride; mock; humiliate; taunt (I'll just send you 200 texts and use up all your time, just wait  until we get to court) ; scorn; belittle; embarrass; etc.

It also refers to things like cutting remarks, name calling, sarcasm, etc. (and especially in front of the children)

In general, verbal abuse refers to any statements or comments made about or to another person with the intent to inflict emotional pain or embarrassment, to provoke feelings of worthlessness, or to motivate a person to perform or conform out of fear or threat of harm.

For maximum effect, verbal abuse given to one person is often given in front of others to intensify the message, and to give notice to the onlookers that they could face such an assault as well if they do no measure up to the demands of the stressor/abuser. In their milder form, verbal abuse could include statements like these:

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"You'll never be successful anyway! Why don't you just go dig ditches?"

"My wife never gets meals ready on time!"

"You are such a baby!"

"What do you mean, you didn't understand? Everyone ELSE understood! If you have a brain, you certainly aren't using it!"

*You're not worth anything, and neither are the kids....(This one is very low, but, it was actually used by my son-in-law....and in front of my grandchildren....Rean)

There are lots of other things that are said..but, these are good examples of verbal abuse...and should not be tolerated! 

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