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What to do when there is mental abuse in your marriage

On Behalf of | Dec 2, 2021 | Divorce

It’s not easy for Ohio residents to realize that there may be abuse within their relationships. However, if you recognize the signs of mental abuse in your marriage, you might want to take immediate steps.

What is mental abuse?

Mental abuse is a form of abuse that abusers often use to control their victims. It can be more harmful than physical abuse because while physical scars can heal, emotional scars might linger throughout the rest of a person’s life. If you realize that your spouse is mentally abusive, you may realize that they use certain tactics to control you. If you’re already in the process of a divorce or considering filing a petition, you may have already realized that there is abuse in your marriage.

What should you do upon recognizing the signs of mental abuse?

Whether or not you have already filed for divorce, you should go with your gut and realize that you don’t have to put up with abuse of any kind. If there is any threat or fear of physical abuse to accompany the mental, you should call for help by dialing 911. Otherwise, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Hotline. You can get information on a safe place to go or just have someone to talk to about your situation.

You should know that the abuse isn’t your fault. Victims often blame themselves and even make excuses for their abusers. This is wrong and you shouldn’t accept any responsibility for being abused.

If you haven’t already filed for divorce, now is the time to do it. You can leave and make arrangements to stay elsewhere during the separation period. Although ending a relationship, especially a marriage, is often difficult, it’s something you need to do when you’re in an abusive situation. If you have young children, you will want to take them and get help.

It’s important to give yourself time to heal as well. Counseling can be very helpful.

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