The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that violence against women (VAW) is a significant public health concern and a violation of human rights. It encompasses a wide range of abusive behaviors, among which psychological violence is one of the most insidious yet less visible forms. According to the WHO, psychological violence involves “trauma to the victim caused by acts, threats of acts, or coercive tactics,” and is often perpetrated in the context of intimate partner violence (WHO, 2013). This form of violence severely affects women's mental health, autonomy, and sense of self-worth.
Definition and Characteristics of Psychological Violence
Psychological violence refers to non-physical forms of abuse intended to control, intimidate, isolate, or belittle a person. It includes but is not limited to:
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Verbal abuse (insults, humiliation)
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Threats of harm or abandonment
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Isolation from friends and family
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Surveillance or control of daily activities
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Manipulation and gaslighting
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Intimidation and coercion
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Denial of autonomy and decision-making
The WHO underscores that psychological abuse often coexists with other forms of abuse and may precede or accompany physical or sexual violence (WHO, 2005).
Impact on Women
Psychological violence has deep and long-lasting effects:
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Mental health: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, suicidal ideation (Devries et al., 2011)
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Social isolation: Loss of support networks
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Economic dependence: Loss of work or financial control
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Cognitive and emotional damage: Chronic stress, low self-esteem, disempowerment
Country Case Studies
1. Mauritius
In Mauritius, psychological abuse is legally recognized under the Protection from Domestic Violence Act (1997, amended 2022). Psychological violence includes “any conduct that harms the psychological integrity of the spouse or partner,” including threats, humiliation, and insults. However, cultural stigma and patriarchal norms limit reporting. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare runs shelters and hotlines, but studies indicate underreporting and normalization of emotional abuse (UN Women, 2022; HRDC Mauritius, 2021).
2. United Kingdom
The Serious Crime Act (2015) introduced the offence of “coercive and controlling behaviour” in intimate relationships. This legal recognition of psychological abuse was a landmark step. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that emotional abuse is the most common form of abuse experienced by women (ONS, 2023). Campaigns like Women’s Aid emphasize “invisible scars” and provide trauma-informed services to survivors.
3. United States
In the U.S., psychological abuse is acknowledged within the framework of domestic violence laws in all states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) includes psychological aggression—such as verbal and non-verbal acts that harm mental/emotional well-being—in its National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS). Around 48.4% of women have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner (Black et al., 2011). Federal programs such as VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) fund services for victims, including counseling and legal support.
4. India
India’s Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005) (PWDVA) explicitly includes emotional and verbal abuse as punishable offenses. Common examples include name-calling, belittling, and threats of divorce or suicide. Yet, patriarchal family structures and stigma limit access to justice. A study by the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW, 2014) found that many women endure psychological abuse silently due to fear of societal backlash or economic insecurity.
5. South Africa
South Africa’s Domestic Violence Act (1998) defines “emotional, verbal and psychological abuse” as any pattern of degrading or humiliating conduct, including repeated insults and threats. However, despite progressive laws, the enforcement remains weak, especially in rural areas. The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) found that over 40% of women report having experienced emotional abuse. NGOs such as Sonke Gender Justice work to reform police responses and public awareness.
6. Palestine
In Palestine, psychological violence is deeply tied to both patriarchal control and sociopolitical instability. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS, 2019) reported that 58.6% of women in the Gaza Strip and 51.9% in the West Bank experienced psychological violence by their husbands in 2018–2019. Acts include threats of divorce, psychological blackmail, and humiliation. Due to limited legal protections under the Personal Status Law and social stigma, many women do not seek help.
Conclusion
Psychological violence is a global phenomenon that cuts across cultures, religions, and socioeconomic groups. It remains underreported and inadequately addressed despite its devastating consequences. While countries like the UK and South Africa have taken legal steps to recognize and criminalize such abuse, cultural, institutional, and legal gaps persist globally—including in Mauritius and Palestine. Effective interventions must include:
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Strengthening legal frameworks and enforcement
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Public awareness campaigns
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Accessible mental health services
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Empowerment programs for survivors
References
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WHO. (2005). WHO Multi-country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence Against Women.
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WHO. (2013). Global and regional estimates of violence against women.
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Devries, K. M., et al. (2011). Intimate partner violence and incident depressive symptoms and suicide attempts. JAMA.
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ONS. (2023). Domestic Abuse in England and Wales: Year ending March 2023.
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CDC. (2011). National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS).
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Ministry of Gender Equality, Mauritius (2022). Annual Gender-Based Violence Report.
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Government of India. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
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SAMRC. (2022). Intimate partner violence in South Africa.
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PCBS. (2019). Violence Survey in the Palestinian Society.
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Women’s Aid UK. (2023). Psychological Abuse Campaigns and Support Resources.
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UN Women. (2022). Mauritius: Combating Gender-Based Violence.
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HRDC Mauritius. (2021). Gender Equality and Domestic Violence Study.
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ICRW. (2014). Masculinity, Intimate Partner Violence and Son Preference in India.
