Emotional abuse is a big deal. It's a HUGE deal. And I hate that most people can't understand how big of a deal it is. Just because there aren't bruises or visible scars doesn't mean it doesn't affect the victims in a very real way. In fact, research has shown that victims of both sexual and emotional abuse say that the emotional abuse was the worst past with the most long-term effects. It hurts, and it matters.
And because emotional maltreatment doesn't leave scars, it can be very difficult to feel justified in the pain it causes. This is something I know all too well. It can require constant reassurance that yes, it was a big deal, and yes, it did really happen.
And it's why I feel like such a hypocrite when I realize how insensitive I can be to other people's experiences of emotional pain.
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