Using words that hurt is not a new phenomenon. Television programs are one barometer by which we can judge our culture. Of course we ve all used words that have hurt others. Sometimes, though, the intent of the words is to seriously harm others. In these instances, making an apology is like putting a Band-Aid on a gaping wound.
Verbal abuse is a form of emotional violence.
Although hurtful words do not leave physical marks on the body, they can leave lasting emotional scars. Hurting someone s feelings is a way of dehumanizing them-treating them as if they were less than human. We have all heard of people who were made fun of early in life and later developed serious problems with low self-esteem. Verbal abuse causes many negative consequences. This often occurs because one person feels insignificant or inferior, and hopes to gain a sensation of power by taking away power from someone else.