Verbal aggression is a form of communication-based abuse that involves shaming, humiliating or insulting someone. It can be used to intimidate, harass or control people in a variety of settings including relationships and the workplace. The goal of an individual who engages in this type of abuse is to cause others to feel bad about themselves and their self-worth. The abusive behavior can take many forms and often goes unrecognized by the victim, who may believe that it is just part of a healthy argument or an accepted way to express disagreements.
Some examples of verbal aggression include name-calling and other derogatory remarks, blaming others for their own problems or feelings, making other people seem stupid or less important than they are and shaming in front of others. Other abuses that can be considered verbal aggression include criticizing someone over and over in a derogatory manner or threatening to harm another person. People who engage in verbal aggression can do so for a variety of reasons, including personal history, family dynamics and mental illness.
Although it is common for verbal aggression to occur in relationships, this type of behavior can also be found in workplaces, schools and other groups. For example, a co-worker who is jealous of the attention you get from your boss may spread rumors about your performance in order to hurt your credibility. Other work-related sources of aggression can include downsizing, layoffs and other business changes. People may be motivated to act aggressively by a desire to gain power, a sense of competition and the need to control others or even by an unhealthy underlying personality disorder.
Unlike physical aggression, which is easy to see and recognize, verbal aggression can be hard to define because of the ways it is disguised. The abusive behaviors are usually subtle and can be hard to spot unless you have been the victim of such treatment before. Some examples of verbal aggression include repeatedly calling you names, making sarcastic comments and arguing in an angry tone on a regular basis. Another sign is if the person always threatens to call authorities or tell co-workers about your wrongdoings.
It is essential for an individual who believes they are being abused by words to seek help. A qualified mental health professional can help the individual understand the abusive behavior and recommend healthy coping techniques. If the person is in a relationship with an abusive partner, the victim should talk to their abuser about the issue and explain that their behavior is harmful. It is also helpful for a victim to confide in trusted family members and friends, as they can provide support when the abuser becomes aggressive.
It is possible to recover from a verbally abusive relationship, but it’s essential to put an end to the abuse right away. In addition to seeking help from a mental healthcare professional, victims should try to find a new job in the event that the verbal aggression continues at work.