According to Psychiatrist Dr. Dayal Mirchandani, "Emotional abuse takes place when your partner unnecessarily ridicules you, makes you feel unwanted and is cruel to you."

In such situations, a partner also tends to limit your access to friends, family and even work and money.

It is NOT Love

'I am only protecting you' and 'I do this because I love you' are the most common justifications that your partner is likely to use.

But remember that if he loved you as much as he claims, he would not be abusing you in the first place.

Emotional abuse is often easy to recognise but hard to comprehend. You may question yourself because there are no physical scars. You may also see the abuse as a normal part of your relationship.

Some may even believe the partner's accusations and end up blaming themselves.

Why Do People Stay on?

• Cultural Reasons
  
  Women tell themselves that their partner is a good provider and as long as he is not hitting them, it is okay.
  
  
• Hope
  
  There are many who hang onto hope and pray that there will be a positive change in their spouse.
  
  
• Fear
  
  Many women fear being alone after years of marriage. They often think that they won't be able to cope without them.
  
  
• Children
  
  Most stay on because of the kids. They believe that inspite of everything, the children need their father.
  
  
• Society
  Most women are affected by what the extended family and society will say if they leave their partner.