Forms of Emotional Abuse: Denial

 

Forms of Emotional Abuse: Denial

Writ by Jesse Lee aka Oregonleatherboy


Denial is a form of emotional abuse that involves invalidating a person's experiences or feelings, often leading to:


  • confusion


  • self-doubt


  •  and low self-esteem.


 The hierarchy for topics and subjects of denial as emotional abuse can be categorized into different levels based on the severity and impact on the victim.



Level 1: Denial of Perception

This level involves denying a person's perception of reality or their experiences. 


  • This can include gaslighting, where the abuser manipulates the victim into questioning their own sanity or memory.


  •  It can also include denying the victim's emotions or feelings, such as telling them they are overreacting or being too sensitive.



Level 2: Denial of Emotion

At this level, the abuser denies the victim's emotions or feelings altogether.


  •  This can involve telling the victim they are not allowed to feel a certain way, such as being happy or sad. 


  • It can also involve minimizing or dismissing the victim's emotions, such as telling them to "just get over it" or "stop being so dramatic."



Level 3: Denial of Needs

This level involves denying the victim's basic needs, such as:


  •  food


  •  water


  • shelter,


  •  or medical care.


 It can also include denying the victim's emotional needs, such as:


  •  love


  • support


  • or validation. 


This level of denial is often seen in cases of neglect and can have severe physical and psychological consequences.



Level 4: Denial of Existence

At this level, the abuser denies the victim's very existence or identity. 


  • This can involve gaslighting to the point where the victim questions their own existence or worth. 


  • It can also include denying the victim's:


  •  cultural heritage


  •  religious identity


  •  gender identity


  • or sexual orientation.


In conclusion, denial as emotional abuse can take many forms and can be categorized into different levels based on the severity and impact on the victim. It is important to recognize and address denial in all its forms to prevent further harm to the victim.


 Authoritative Reference Publications or URLs:


 National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/types-of-abuse/


 Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anger-in-the-age-entitlement/201907/the-dynamics-denial


HelpGuide.org: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/emotional-abuse.htm


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