Psychological Abuse: A Discussion Paper
This discussion paper on the effects and methods surrounding psychological and emotional abuse, provides a good summary of the range of psychological abuse, and the devastating consequences for the victim.
The intentional infliction of emotional and psychological abuse is a form of family and relational violence. Those who carry it out seem to think that because it does not involve physical assault with obvious signs of injury, they can deny it and continue to blame the victim. The denial creates a thin and brittle veil, to try and justify ongoing abuse.
All people should edify themselves on this topic, and examine whether or not they are carrying out psychological abuse and violence. It frequently happens within families, and becomes a pattern and stronghold.
The only way this topic of harm can be reduced, is if those who are engaged in carrying out the harm can get past their own denial, and develop some empathy and compassion.
One of the most dominant traits of characters who are steeped in cruelty, and personality disorders, revolves around the intentional infliction of harm, and the sadistic enjoyment of causing pain to others, especially a weaker person. The intentional infliction of emotional and psychological abuse is the domain of serial bullies. It becomes an established part of their attitude and conduct.
There is a sense of selfish and arrogant entitlement, combined with an absolute callous disregard for the rights of others, or acknowledgement of the depth of harm they are causing.
Ultimately, they will bring the pain and suffering they have caused back upon themselves. There is a boomerang effect. The entire Bible is full of warnings about the cause and effect of cruelty, and how people will be trapped by their own devices.
There is no greater example of compassion and kindness than what was exhibited by Christ. His primary purpose is to bring comfort to the downtrodden. While here on this earth, he healed people, and told people to pray for those who persecute them.
All people are capable of repenting, changing, apologizing, forgiving and being forgiven. If a person refuses to have empathy and compassion, their hearts become hardened, and God turns them over to a reprobate mind. He also sends them strong delusion, so they can no longer even discern the truth, or gain insight into their own lives. To become hardened, is a death sentence for the soul.
A lack of compassion causes phenomenal harm to the victim, but ultimately those who become cold and hardened, while continuing to carry out these acts of psychological violence – are jeopardizing their own souls.
Although this is a secular paper from a government website, it does give an outline of the range and depth of human suffering resulting from emotional and psychological abuse.