EMOTIONAL VIOLENCE AGAINST YOUTH:
THE HIDDEN SCARS
EMOTIONAL VIOLENCE,
A pervasive and insidious form of abuse affects millions of young people worldwide. This silent scourge can have severe and long-lasting consequences for a young person's mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being.
The Prevalence of Emotional Violence
Emotional violence against youth is a widespread issue, affecting children and adolescents from all backgrounds. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1 in 5 children worldwide experience emotional abuse. In the United States, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network reports that 1 in 7 children experience child abuse, including emotional abuse.
The Forms of Emotional Violence
Emotional violence can take many forms, including:
1. Verbal abuse: Yelling, name-calling, belittling, or using hurtful language to control or manipulate a young person.
2. Emotional manipulation: Using guilt, shame, or fear to control a young person's behavior or emotions.
3. Neglect: Failing to provide a young person with basic needs, such as food, shelter, or emotional support.
4. Gaslighting: Manipulating a young person's perception of reality, making them question their own sanity or memory.
The Consequences of Emotional Violence
Emotional violence can have severe and long-lasting consequences for a young person's mental health and well-being. Some of the consequences include:
1. Anxiety and depression: Emotional violence can lead to increased symptoms of anxiety and depression in young people.
2. Low self-esteem: Constant criticism and belittling can erode a young person's self-esteem and confidence.
3. Difficulty with relationships: Emotional violence can make it challenging for young people to form healthy relationships in the future.
4. Increased risk of substance abuse: Young people who experience emotional violence may be more likely to turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism.
Breaking the Silence
Emotional violence against youth is often hidden behind closed doors, making it difficult to detect and address. However, there are steps that can be taken to break the silence and support young people who are experiencing emotional violence:
1. Listen and believe: If a young person discloses emotional violence, listen to their story and believe them.
2. Provide a safe space: Offer a safe and supportive environment where young people can share their feelings and experiences.
3. Seek professional help: Encourage young people to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor.
4. Report abuse: If you suspect that a young person is experiencing emotional violence, report it to the authorities or a child protection agency.
RESEARCH ARTICES ON EMOTIONAL VIOLENCE:
Hidden scars: how violence harms the mental health of children
More than 1 billion children – half of all children in the world – are exposed to violence every year. It is clear that violence has a severe impact on the mental health of children. Exposure to violence is often traumatic, and it can evoke toxic responses to stress that cause both immediate and long-term physiological and psychological damage. The consequences of violence include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, substance use disorders, sleep and eating disorders, and suicide.
The cumulative impact of violence on children’s mental health is shaped by the way in which children experience violence as they move from early childhood to adolescence, with variations in both the forms of violence to which they are exposed and the consequences for their mental health. These consequences can be passed from one generation to the next, particularly for children whose childhoods have been characterized by exposure to intimate partner violence, and for mothers who experienced violence as they grew up.
Shattered Souls – the hidden scars of domestic abuse
Behind closed doors, in the quiet recesses of homes, and despite exterior smiles, there is a silent epidemic that not only damages the physical body but the very soul of the human spirit.
It’s a darkness that does not manifest physically; this darkness casts a lengthy shadow over the lives of countless survivors as it festers deep within.
The silent culprit is domestic abuse, and its insidious effects on mental health are an untold tragedy.
It’s a darkness that does not manifest physically; this darkness casts a lengthy shadow over the lives of countless survivors as it festers deep within.
The silent culprit is domestic abuse, and its insidious effects on mental health are an untold tragedy.
Facts and Figures on Domestic Abuse and Mental Health
Behind the lives of people who have or are experiencing domestic abuse, lies a complex web of emotions, thoughts, and fears. The emotional toll of domestic abuse is a heavy burden, one that often goes unnoticed and unspoken.
As each day passes, survivors are subjected to an intricate dance of manipulation, degradation, and isolation. They are trapped in a vicious cycle of fear and uncertainty, their self-esteem eroded, their sense of self-worth diminished.
Depression becomes their constant companion, gnawing away at them like a relentless predator. Anxiety tightens its grip, rendering even the most ordinary tasks fraught with dread.
Survivors live in a perpetual state of hyperarousal, forever on guard, their nervous systems rewired by the trauma they endure. They suffer from sleep disturbances, nightmares that haunt their nights, and intrusive thoughts that plague their days.
Chronic stress takes its toll, manifesting as physical ailments – headaches, digestive problems, and a weakened immune system. Self-harm, gambling and substance abuse, such as alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs, can become desperate coping mechanisms, further deepening the abyss of despair.
As each day passes, survivors are subjected to an intricate dance of manipulation, degradation, and isolation. They are trapped in a vicious cycle of fear and uncertainty, their self-esteem eroded, their sense of self-worth diminished.
Depression becomes their constant companion, gnawing away at them like a relentless predator. Anxiety tightens its grip, rendering even the most ordinary tasks fraught with dread.
Survivors live in a perpetual state of hyperarousal, forever on guard, their nervous systems rewired by the trauma they endure. They suffer from sleep disturbances, nightmares that haunt their nights, and intrusive thoughts that plague their days.
Chronic stress takes its toll, manifesting as physical ailments – headaches, digestive problems, and a weakened immune system. Self-harm, gambling and substance abuse, such as alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs, can become desperate coping mechanisms, further deepening the abyss of despair.
The Impact of Domestic Abuse on Mental Health
- Prevalence of Domestic Abuse: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men experienced domestic abuse in their lifetime. (Source: WHO, “Violence Against Women Prevalence Estimates, 2018” and Mankind, “Research on Male Victims of Domestic abuse.)
- Mental Health Consequences: A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that survivors of domestic abuse are three times more likely to suffer depression, anxiety or severe conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder than other women. (Source: British Journal of Psychiatry.)
- PTSD in Survivors: The National Centre for Domestic Violence reports that two thirds of survivors of domestic violence show symptoms of PTSD, indicating the severe psychological impact of the trauma. (Source: National Centre for Domestic Violence, “Domestic Abuse and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)”)
- Impact on Children: Children exposed to domestic abuse are at risk of developing mental health issues as well. According to UNICEF, witnessing violence between caregivers can lead to emotional and behavioral problems in children, including anxiety, depression, and aggression. (Source: UNICEF, “Behind Closed Doors: The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children”.)
- Substance Abuse: Women who experience domestic abuse may turn to alcohol or substance abuse as a way to cope with the mental and physical impacts of the trauma. Research shows that women who have experienced abuse are twice as likely to have an alcohol problem than those who haven’t. (Source: Alcohol Change.)
These facts and figures underscore the significant impact of domestic abuse on mental health, highlighting the urgent need for support, awareness, and resources for survivors.
Silence is the greatest ally of domestic abuse, but by acknowledging its impact on mental health and taking decisive action, we can offer hope and healing to those who have suffered in silence for far too long. The scars may be invisible, but the pain is real, and it is time to confront it with compassion and understanding.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, worried about someone you know, or are concerned about the impact of your behavior towards others, then help is available on somersetdomesticabuse.org.uk or by telephoning 0800 69 49 999, between 8am – 8pm – 7 days a week.
In an emergency you should always dial 999. If you are worried that an abuser may overhear your call you can remain silent, tap the phone and dial 55 when prompted by the operator who will send help.
Conclusion
Emotional violence against youth is a pervasive and insidious issue that requires attention and action. By breaking the silence and providing support to young people who are experiencing emotional violence, we can help them heal and recover from the hidden scars of emotional abuse. Remember, every young person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and kindness.
REFERENCES
What You Can Do
- Share this article with others to raise awareness about emotional violence against youth.
- Support organizations that provide services and resources to young people who have experienced emotional violence.
- If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional violence, seek help and support from a trusted adult, therapist, or support hotline.
Well done ,keep it up ! 👍
ReplyDeleteYou’ve done an excellent job explaining how subtle forms of emotional violence, like constant criticism or neglect, can deeply harm young minds.
ReplyDeleteAmazing👍👍
ReplyDeleteMind blowing
ReplyDeletegreat effort