Experiencing Verbal Violence In Household, What Should Be Done?

Illustration (Keira Burton/Pexels)

JAKARTA - No one deserves verbal violence from anyone, including a partner. But there are many people for whom verbal harassment is okay because they don't see the behavior as harassment.

Dealing with verbal abuse is a challenging task and must be done with care as it requires patience, self-awareness, and assertiveness. Continuous verbal abuse can be emotionally damaging and detrimental to a person's well-being. Here are some things to do, so try not to regret anything.

Understanding signs

The first step in overcoming verbal abuse is to recognize the signs. Reporting from the Times of India, Tuesday, September 5, Verbal abuse can take many forms including insults, shouting, belittling, and badmouthing. This involves using hurtful language to control, manipulate, or belittle another person. Identifying this behavior is critical to effectively addressing the problem.

Make clear boundaries

Once you've identified the signs, set clear boundaries with your partner. Communicate to your partner that his words and actions are hurtful and unacceptable. Make it clear that you will not tolerate abusive behavior and that it must stop for the relationship to continue. Setting boundaries is a fundamental step in regaining control and self-esteem.

Seek support and counseling

Verbal abuse can be emotionally draining and difficult to handle alone. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist who can provide guidance and a safe place to express your feelings. Couples counseling can also be a way of addressing underlying problems in relationships.

Practice self-care

Verbal abuse can be bad for your self-esteem and mental well-being. Prioritize self-care to rebuild your self-confidence and emotional strength. This can include engaging in activities you enjoy, such as practicing mindfulness or meditation, and maintaining a relationship with a support system. Taking care of yourself is very important for your resilience and overall ability to deal with abuse.

Communicate assertively

When dealing with verbal abuse, it's important to communicate, not be aggressive or passive. Express your feelings and concerns in a calm and direct manner. Use "I" statements to describe how the harassment is affecting you, such as "I feel hurt when you talk to me like that." Avoid blaming or accusing, as this can make the situation worse.

Consider your options

In some cases, even after several attempts, the situation does not improve, and your safety or well-being may be compromised. This is when these options should be considered:

Temporarily separated

Temporarily separating from your partner can provide clarity and space to assess the situation you are experiencing.

Find cover

If you are afraid that your partner will commit physical violence, try to make a safe plan by asking for protection and help from a professional or someone close to you.

Get legal help

In cases of severe harassment, consultation with an attorney or law enforcement may be necessary to protect your rights and safety.

End the relationship

If the harassment continues, consider making a difficult decision such as ending the relationship for your own benefit and safety.