what's the difference between mental abuse and verbal abuse?

Answer 1

Verbal abuse is just assault with words. Instead of throwing punches you throw insults, slurs, etc. This is usually done in the heat of an argument or when one person loses their temper.

I think mental abuse it when the words are methodical, planned, and they have a specific purpose to mentally weaken someone. This could be words or suggestions. In the movie "What ever Happened to Baby Jane", Baby Jane mentally abused her sister by making her think that she was poisoning her food every day. She eventually starved to death.

Answer 2

Mental or emotional abuse can incorporate verbal abuse but the latter is much more sinister. Emotional abuse is an umbrella term used to describe abuse that effects the emotional or mental stability of the victim. The purpose of this is to create a dependence, which is what the abuser needs to maintain control. So simply put verbal abuse is a tool to manipulate the victim which equals emotional/mental abuse

Answer 3

Pretty much all verbal abuse is mental abuse. But mental abuse can come from other sources. Like those post cards in spencer's gifts that have the super massively fat naked ladies on them. That could kill a man with a weak heart.

Answer 4

Mental abuse is caused by playing head games with people and damaging them emotionally and even causing them to doubt their own sanity.

Verbal abuse is simply that. Calling names, saying someone is stupid, etc.

So verbal abuse can be mentally abusing if it is done often and long enough.

Answer 5

Verbal abuse can lead to mental trauma, but not all mental abuse/trauma is caused by verbal abuse.