Emotional abuse and coercive control

Domestic abuse in Greater Manchester does not always involve physical violence. Often, individuals who go on to physically abuse their spouses begin by emotionally abusing them with controlling, bullying behavior. Even when it doesn't lead to physical violence, emotional abuse can be very psychologically damaging to the spouse who is on the receiving end of it. 

In 2006, a professor from Rutgers University in New York coined the term 'coercive control" to describe a type of domestic abuse in which one partner controls the other partner through verbal intimidation. Victims of coercive control may be isolated from their family and friends by a domineering partner who seeks to deprive them of their basic human rights. Many spouses who use coercive control restrict the victim's access to money, withhold the victim's phone and act excessively jealous. 

One woman who was married to an emotionally abusive husband was told that she couldn't work but made to feel guilty for every pound that she spent. Though her husband earned £120,000 per year, the woman would be subjected to hours of verbal abuse from her husband if she bought organic milk instead of a cheaper brand. The woman says that her confidence and independence was lost, and she had difficulty thinking or speaking. 

When there is physical or emotional abuse going on in a marriage, a victimized spouse may need help sorting out family law problems. A family law solicitor may be able to assist a victim with the legal aspects of a divorce or separation.