For years, society, law and medicine have underestimated psychological abuse even though it is currently much more widespread than we think. In extreme cases, this condition has proven to lead to various diseases and severe psychological conditions.
Although this form of abuse appears in different ways in every relationship: social, family or friendly, the most difficult to understand is in romantic relationships. The reason is the fact that the strong emotional bond between two people in love makes it difficult to recognize when the relationship is turning abusive.
Therapists say that usually the person suffering the abuse is in an unbalanced position with the partner. The abuser is usually dominant, but the victim does not clearly understand this difference.
In normal couples, there is mutual respect between the two partners in everyday and important matters. While in abusive relationships, the one who 'tortures' the victim tries to keep the relationship as dominant at all costs.
But who is abusive in a relationship?
Psychologists say that it is impossible to build a 100% accurate profile of an abuser, but from studies and surveys, 75-80% of men and boys who abuse seem like normal people, while 7-8% of them have traits obvious related to mental problems or substance abuse, and other addictions.
Psychologists have built two rough profiles that you should watch out for:
The "little" abuser
This case involves men or women who through behavior show that their real age does not match what they are giving the relationship. These people generally have very childish behavior and do not know how to communicate like adults in a relationship. Also, their concept of love is generally wrong. They have controlling, possessive behavior and force their partner to conform to their needs and desires without concern for the effect it has on the other.
The selfish abuser
A person who thinks only of himself and puts himself before everything, gets satisfaction only when he himself is a winner. You recognize this individual immediately, as soon as you open your mouth, every sentence starts with the term "I". They talk only about themselves, compliment themselves endlessly and leave little space to listen to the needs or desires of the person in front of them.
These individuals are divided into two other subcategories: Those who talk about achievements or think they are the best and those who are victimized and show how the world is unfair to them. In both cases, being around a person with these characteristics is dangerous and abuse is almost certain.
