Today we will focus on the topic of psychological violence.
Psychological violence is more difficult to define than physical violence. Psychological violence is a form of interaction with another person that makes them feel bad. Psychological violence includes all insults, humiliation, blackmail, threats and manipulation. Over time, they take on a recurring and escalating form. Psychological violence is not as widely recognized as a problem as physical violence. Every fifth adult Pole believes that violence can only be discussed when there are clear marks on the victim’s body, e.g. bruises. However, it leaves marks in the psyche comparable to physical violence, if not deeper, and at the same time invisible to others, which makes it difficult to provide appropriate support. Especially long-term psychological abuse can disrupt development in many areas: social, emotional and cognitive.
Psychological violence includes:
-Mocking opinions, views, beliefs, religion or origin,
-Imposing one’s own opinion or views,
-Constant evaluation or criticism,
-Insinuating mental illness,
-Isolating and limiting contacts with other people,
-Controlling and enforcing obedience and subordination,
-Naming, using vulgar epithets, belittling, humiliating, shaming, using threats or blackmailing.
Effects of psychological violence:
-Destruction of the victim’s sense of agency, self-esteem and dignity,
-Prevention of taking any action that is inconsistent with the principle of obedience,
-Weakening of the mental and physical abilities to resist and developing a conviction that it is futile,
-Isolation from external sources of support,
-Complete dependence of the victim on the persecutor,
-Constant fear and loss of hope,
-Psychosomatic illnesses or disorders, e.g. sleep disorders,
-Constant stress, etc.
If you need help and support, call the Crisis Intervention Center.
ul. Probostwo 6A
Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
phone: 81 466 55 46
e-mail: pomoc@cik.lublin.eu