The worst for me was the verbal abuse. Because you can get punched, you get a bruise, and that bruise heals... but verbal abuse is a continual leakage...

Abusive partners commonly use words to abuse and intimidate. This can include:

• calling you names (including sexual names)
• putting you down
• shouting and yelling a lot
• threats
• making you feel bad about yourself
• blaming you
• making you feel guilty

I told him I would rather he had hit me in the face because that would stop hurting - but the words don't.

Verbal abuse is very commonly part of domestic abuse. If you recognise any of the list and think you might be experiencing verbal abuse, call our helpline on 0808 801 0500 - we can help.