Hammersmith & Fulham
Safeguarding Adults Board

Psychological abuse

Psychological abuse is sometimes referred to as emotional abuse.

It includes:

  • threats of harm or abandonment
  • humiliation
  • blaming
  • controlling
  • coercion
  • harassment
  • cyber bullying
  • verbal abuse

The following may be indicators of psychological abuse:

  • appearing uncomfortable or unwilling to talk when a particular person is present
  • withdrawal or change, low self-esteem
  • insomnia
  • uncooperative and aggressive behaviour
  • a change of appetite, weight loss or gain
  • signs of distress such as tearfulness or anger
  • apparent false claims, by someone involved with the person, to attract unnecessary treatment