Psychological Maltreatment of Partners

Abstract

A discussion of psychological maltreatment in the context of intimate relationships maintains that the "batterer" uses coercion, oppression, & degradation to get his partner to fulfill his needs. The abuse often involves subtle manipulation that is described as a form of mind control similar to the brainwashing that characterizes many religious or political cults. It is contended that some form of psychological maltreatment is always present in situations involving physical violence. Elements in a prototypic pattern of psychological maltreatment are early verbal/physical aggression; isolation; guilt induction; hope-instilling behaviors via "contingent expressions of love"; fear arousal; promotion of powerlessness; pathological expressions of jealousy; secrecy; & enforced loyalty. Two case histories are described to illustrate the impact of these prototypic features on abuse relationships, & related medical, legal, & social/family issues are discussed. It is concluded that there is a need for medical personnel, police officers, legal professionals, community workers, & mental health professionals to recognize the signs of psychological maltreatment in order to make the appropriate referrals. 2 Tables, 104 References. J. Lindroth