The continued low profile of verbal abuse could be attributed to the idea that it is a subtler form of abuse and therefore more likely not to be taken seriously, Kesden relayed. As in all types of abuse, one must question where this type of behavior stems from. Looking to a person's past can often explain the reason for verbal abuse. The first step in acknowledging a verbally abusive relationship is to admit that there is a problem. SOLO explains that this could be a very difficult step for a woman who has been verbally abused because often the self esteem is weakened.
Many women often try to justify the abuser's actions.
But if a woman has decided to leave the relationship, her next step should be to seek help of some kind, with a counselor or a support group. SOLO emphasizes that the quicker a woman decides to get out of an abusive relationship, the better. If a woman decides that she would like to try to salvage the relationship with the abuser, she needs to put her foot down, Kesden advises. She should address the issue when both partners are calm and suggest counseling for both of them.