Pat's Answer

Hi there, you are very welcome to Ask Pat.

You are asking the question what is mental abuse and how do you know if you are a victim of it?

Mental abuse is one of the many forms of abuse. Mental abuse is hurting someone with words; name calling; shouting; ignoring; criticising. It is totally wrong. All forms of abuse are wrong. We are just wondering why you are asking this question. Do you think you are being emotionally abused? Or do you think somebody you know may be suffering the abuse? It is very important that if you are being abused, that you tell a grown up that you feel comfortable talking to. This grown up might be a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, friend’s parent.

Childline is here to listen to you too, to support and help you explore the options that are available to you. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day at 1800 66 66 66 and we would be more than happy to have a chat with you to discuss this further. Our service is confidential and non judgmental. We have a text service (50101) and a web-chat service available on this website if you don’t feeling like talking, but you still want to get in touch with us.

Alternatively on our website we have some information in the “Info and Advice” section, ‘Bullying, Abuse, Safety and Your Rights’ that may be of help to you.

Thank you for contacting us here at Ask Pat and we wish you well.