: Ways to Stop Verbal Abuse

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(400 Words)
Many people are aware of the dangers of physical abuse, however verbal abuse can be devastating as well. It can occur in many relationships such as one between spouses, between a child and a parent and in other relationships. The following tactics can be attempted to stop this abuse.
The person should be confronted
Sometimes the person who is committing the verbal abuse might not even realize that they are doing it. They may not understand how much they are hurting the other person. You may need to discuss it with them. If the person being abused is an adult, then they can do the confronting themselves. If it is a child, then someone else may need to do it for them such as the other parent.
When you discuss the verbal abuse it may be best to talk during a time when things are calm. If you are already in the middle of a fight, then they may just get defensive and not truly listen to what you have to say. Try not to be too accusatory and remain calm and logical. Talk about the exact things that he or she said that were verbally abusive. Explain why it is such a problem and how it can make you feel. If possible, gain the other person’s empathy. Try to get them to see how they would feel if they were subjected to the verbal abuse.
Hopefully the person will be receptive to you. You may bring up certain phrases that really hurt you. It is also important to listen to what they have to say. They may be upset about something and be incorrectly getting it out through the verbal abuse. Perhaps you can find a way that both of you can communicate better.
Get further help
You may be able to help the person get help to stop the verbal abuse. They may be willing to go to some counseling whether alone or with you. There are books that can help people to control their anger. You also might have someone else who can discuss things with them.
You do not have to live with verbal abuse. If the person does not really seem interested in changing and you are unhappy, they you may want to consider looking for a different relationship. A relationship should be based on mutual respect, and verbal abuse plays no part in that.