On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Order of Psychologists emphasizes that psychological violence is more prevalent than physical violence and underscores: it is not a lesser or lighter form of violence.
This organization notes that psychological violence consists of a series of verbal or non-verbal acts, whether isolated or repeated, intentionally used to cause harm and emotional suffering, and reminds that “physical violence does not have to be present” for a relationship to be abusive or violent.
One of the documents released today is a checklist of signs indicating a person might be a victim of violence and another is a set of questions and answers about emotional and psychological violence.
It highlights that the common element in different types of psychological violence is the attempt to diminish and control the other, whether through humiliation, fear, manipulation, or isolation.
The difficulty in detecting and recognizing the signs of psychological violence, which often occurs only when the perpetrator and victim are alone, is acknowledged. It advises: “It is important not to fall into the trap of thinking ‘it’s not that bad’ and minimizing the perpetrator’s behavior.”
“Not uncommonly, the victim themselves tries to justify and excuse the perpetrator’s behavior, attributing responsibility for the violent acts to themselves (due to their characteristics and behaviors) or justifying the behaviors with external factors to the perpetrator (such as alcohol consumption or work problems),” the Order explains.
It adds that victims of psychological violence “may not have a single bruise,” as “their ‘wounds’ are invisible and equally painful,” negatively affecting their well-being and psychological health, warning that victims may develop, in the medium and long term, anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, self-harming behaviors, or attempt suicide.
The Order of Psychologists also advises anyone experiencing psychological violence to call 112 or the psychological counseling line of SNS 24 (808 24 24 24, option 4).
The documents released today are available on the page of the Order of Psychologists.
