Abuse is any pattern of behavior by one partner in a relationship which threatens the physical, mental, or emotional well-being of the other partner. Physical abuse is the easiest type to recognize and condemn, but it's not the only kind. Abuse can be physical, emotional, or both. It's not as easy to identify, but just as deadly. Physical abuse harms the body.
Emotional abuse harms self-esteem.
Either one can threaten your life. Any person who abuses someone he is supposed to love is sick. Any person who derives pleasure from abusing others is sick. Any person who deals with his tension symptoms by hurting others is sick. You probably have little trouble accepting these statements as fact, but you need to know another fact.