Verbal and Emotional Abuse
Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect can take many forms, including verbal and emotional abuse. This form of abuse can lead to depression and serious harm to a senior. For this reason, if you suspect any kind of abuse of neglect is taking place in a nursing home or care environment, you may wish to call a nursing home abuse and neglect claims lawyer.
If you’re looking for a senior abuse claims lawyer in Miami, Homestead, or Hollywood or any surrounding area in Southern Florida, you can always call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626. Our phone lines are staffed 24/7, so you can always schedule a free, no obligation consultation.
What is Verbal or Emotional Abuse?Verbal or emotional abuse can involve any behavior which is threatening or intimidating and uses words in order to harass someone. Verbal and emotional abuse can include:
- Isolation, including bullying and rumor spreading to make someone feel alone
- Name-calling and insults
- Belittling
- Gaslighting someone or discounting their ideas
- Demeaning language
- Threats
- Verbal violence, such as swearing or shouting at someone
- Ignoring someone
- Public embarrassment
- Intimidation
Verbal and emotional abuse is hard to detect. Unlike physical abuse, it does not leave behind fractures or bruising and indeed often leaves no physical injuries at all. Unfortunately, the emotional injuries are significant. Someone who has been verbally abused may experience significant pain and trauma which can impact the quality of their life.
Why is It a Problem?Verbal abuse is a lot more than painful words. In some cases, it can be accompanied by other forms of abuse or can escalate to physical violence. Verbal abuse can also lead to serious problems, such as depression, mental health disorders, significant upset, anxiety, and other conditions. It can affect a senior’s ability to live their life fully and with dignity.
How Do I Detect It?Many times, it is very difficult to catch verbal or emotional abuse in action. You may, however, notice the following:
- Withdrawn behavior
- Fearful or anxious behaviors
- Changes in personality
- Sudden loss of interest in usual hobbies or activities
- Lack of self-care
- Lack of interest in everyday activities
While these signs do not automatically mean abuse is taking place, they may indicate a problem. Any time there is a significant change in personality or when something doesn't feel right, it's important to act and to ask questions. Unfortunately, when left unchecked, verbal and emotional abuse can get worse and can escalate.
What Can I Do?If you believe that emotional or verbal abuse may be taking place, it is best to contact a Hollywood nursing home abuse attorney. An attorney has experience in investigating these cases. You can always reach Flaxman Law Group if someone has been injured and you would like a free accident consultation with a nursing home abuse attorney in Hollywood or anywhere in south Florida.
We can also help you understand your legal rights and help move an elderly family member to a safe environment while helping you seek compensation so you can help pay for therapy, counseling and any other services which are needed. Contact online today or call 866-352-9626 for a free accident consultation.