When you think of domestic abuse, you might think of physical abuse--beating, bruising, bleeding, etc. After all, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of domestic violence in their lifetimes. But there's a whole other side of domestic abuse, which is emotional abuse or verbal abuse. Emotional abuse is often a precursor to physical violence but is equally as damaging to an individual. The problem, however, is that emotional abuse does not leave behind any physical or tangible scars, so it often goes unnoticed by outsiders of the relationship. Even if the verbal abuse is evident to strangers, it can be hard to decide whether or not to intervene. Another reason why domestic abuse often goes unnoticed is that the gender roles of our society dictate how people react to it. Men who try and seek help for abuse from a female partner are often ridiculed, and Women who experience domestic abuse are sometimes accused of being dramatic or sensitive.

Emotional abuse can consist of verbal assault, but it can also take place in the form of controlling behavior, dominance or blackmailing. A partner who constantly hounds you for your whereabouts and demands to know who you're with is an abusive partner. A partner who tells you what you can and cannot wear is an abusive partner. A partner who holds intimate details over your head to gain an advantage is an abusive partner. Actions like these are not always obvious to those outside the relationship, and even to the victim. Many people might hide the fact that their significant others are abusive, and some don't even realize that the behavior is not okay. It's also likely that many people in abusive relationships won't speak up in fear of things taking a violent turn.

It's hard to determine whether or not you should intervene. If you see a man hit his wife in public, someone will most likely say something. Many people would not interfere with a verbal argument between partners because they'd rather mind their own business. Knowing what to do when two strangers seem to have a toxic relationship is difficult, but if you notice signs of abuse in relationships between people you know, definitely speak up. If it's pointing out to the victim that their partner's behavior isn't right, or even bringing it to the attention of a third party, it's important to take action. Let the victim in the situation know they deserve better. If your friend is constantly being degraded by his girlfriend, let him know that it's not okay. Don't let anyone think that getting help is a sign of weakness, and overall voice your opinion. If you misread the situation, there's still no harm in letting your friend know you care for them. Always look out for red flags, and don't stand by while someone you know gets abused.