Emotional and Psychological Abuse – Part 1: Understanding Coercive Control and Domestic Violence in Relationships

Send us a text

Coercive Control | Domestic Violence | Childhood Trauma | Childhood Abuse | Healing after Abuse | Healing after Trauma

Emotional abuse leaves no visible scars, but its impact runs deep. 

In this episode of Escape the Paradox, I talk about how emotional abuse erodes self-worth, distorts reality, and keeps targets trapped in cycles of self-doubt. I’ll share how it manifests in both subtle and overt ways, why it’s so difficult to recognize, and how the words and tactics used against me shaped my identity long after the abuse ended. 

Most importantly, I want to remind you that the beliefs an abuser ingrains in you are not the truth. Healing is possible, and it starts with challenging their narrative.

Sources:

Gama, C. M. F., Portugal, L. C. L., Gonçalves, R. M., de Souza Junior, S., Vilete, L. M. P., Mendlowicz, M. V., Figueira, I., Volchan, E., David, I. A., de Oliveira, L., & Pereira, M. G. (2021). The invisible scars of emotional abuse: a common and highly harmful form of childhood maltreatment. BMC Psychiatry, 21 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03134-0 

Gavin, H. (2011). Sticks and stones may break my bones: An examination of the effects of emotional abuse. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 20(5), pp.503–529. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/254356919_Sticks_and_Stones_May_Break_My_Bones_The_Effects_of_Emotional_Abuse 

National Domestic Violence Hotline. (n.d.). Understand relationship abuse. The Hotline. https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/understand-relationship-abuse/ 

National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). (n.d.). Emotional abuse. NSPCC. https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/emotional-abuse/ 

Newton, C., & Gavin, H. (2016). Studying the long-term psychological effects of emotional abuse experienced in childhood. International Academic Conference on Social Sciences, pp. 41–49. The International Institute for Academic Development. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314206294_Studying_The_Long-term_Psychological_Effects_of_Emotional_Abuse_Experienced_in_Childhood 

Welcome to Escape the Paradox, a podcast dedicated to exposing and exploring the truth about coercive control, emotional abuse, and the long-term trauma caused by abusive relationships.

Whether it's childhood abuse from a parent, intimate partner violence, or domestic abuse in any form, this podcast dives into the patterns, dynamics, and the psychological impact.

My name is Helena, and I am your host! I share my own lived experience as a survivor of childhood abuse, while also creating space for survivor stories, expert insight, and compassionate support.

Healing is non-linear, and a complex and difficult process.

If you're looking for support, please visit escapetheparadox.com to learn more about my services in abuse consulting and advocacy and 1:1 sessions.

Don't forget to subscribe (follow) wherever you get your podcasts!

Remember: It's not your fault, and your story matters!