What to Do ?
Mandated reporters are people who encounter children through their occupation, including child daycare providers, educators, legal and law enforcement personnel, and medical personnel. These reporters have an obligation to report suspected emotional a b u s e just as they do physical a b u s e, intercourse a b u s e, or neglect.
Even if you are not a mandated reporter and you suspect that a child is being emotionally a b u s e d, report it to child protective services. A child who might be experiencing a b u s e needs to be evaluated by social services to ensure they are being treated appropriately.
If you're a parent and think your child is being emotionally a b u s e d by someone else—such as a teacher, a pastor, or coach—take steps to intervene. You might need to enlist professional help, such as from the person's boss, social services, and/or police, to keep your child safe.
If you have emotionally a b u s e d your child, or if a partner is emotionally a b u s i v e, it's important for both your mental health and your child's that you ask for help. Working with a therapist can be beneficial for you and your family.
Treatment for Emotional A b u s e
If a child is being emotionally a b u s e d, the first course of action is to ensure the child’s safety. Then, appropriate treatment can begin. The perpetrator might require treatment—especially if it’s a parent. Examples of treatment for a perpetrator include individual therapy, parenting classes, and social services.
Those who have experienced emotional a b u s e often benefit from therapy with a licensed mental health professional. Once they have processed what they went through emotionally, they can begin the healing process and learn healthy coping mechanisms, social skills, and conflict resolution.
Coping With Emotional A b u s e
Although coping with the effects of emotional a b u s e can take some time, there are some factors that can have a protective effect, such as having a positive relationship with another adult. For example, a nurturing parent, grandparent, or the support of a teacher or coach can buffer some of the negative effects of emotional a b u s e.
If you have a relationship with a child who has experienced a b u s e, you can help them cope by being a supportive and caring adult in their lives.
Be a consistent, loving presence in their lives by spending time with them, encouraging them, and reminding them of their value and worth. Help them see that they are not defined by the words and actions of the person a b u s i n g them. Instead, empower them to see their strengths and to set goals for the future.
A Word From Verywell
If you know a child who is being emotionally a b u s e d, or you suspect emotional a b u s e, it's important to let someone know your concerns. Reporting suspected a b u s e prompts an investigation followed by interventions, if needed.
In the meantime, do what you can to be an encouraging and supportive person in that child's life. Some of the damage caused by emotional a b u s e can be offset by the kind and empowering actions of others. Let the child know you love them and believe in them. If they learn to identify what they are good at and set goals, they can learn to offset the negative words and actions of others.
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