“Bruises and broken bones are potential signs of physical abuse, but emotional abuse leaves no obvious marks. “Emotional abuse is about someone manipulating your emotions on a psychological level,” Krumins explains. “And it goes beyond simple verbal bullying.” Emotional abusers may come across as bullies, yet they are often “silent monsters” that fake affection while knowing precisely how to manipulate situations, hurt and humiliate their victims and do whatever it takes to stay in control of the situation and their victims.
Even though emotional abusers can quickly explain away or make excuses for their abusive behavior, Krumins is quick to state that emotional abusers know exactly what they’re doing. Emotional abusers are masters of manipulation, lying, intimidation and guilt. “They’ve been perfecting what they do to people ever since they were little — and they chose to be this way,” she adds. “They don’t want to change and they don’t care who they hurt as long as no one suspects them, and the situation works for them.” Michele Borboa, MS