Abstract
This chapter deals with psychological violence in its most recurrent forms. The author uses the general definition of psychological violence as a starting point to then analyze its manifestations in two different contexts: the professional and private environment. This way, the author wishes to demonstrate that psychological violence is associated with the establishment of a hold, a conditioning, which makes the individual who is subjected to it incapable of recognizing it. It is a process which is developed through typical schemes and which follows a similar pattern in different contexts. The consequences for the victims are numerous. The author analyzes them through a psychosomatic approach which explains why certain diseases develop when individuals are subjected to such pressures. The author also shares the results obtained in her practise of accompanying victims.
TopIntroduction
General Definition of Psychological Violence
Psychological violence, also known as moral violence, mental violence or emotional violence, is a form of violence or abuse against others where no direct physical violence is being deployed.
Psychological ill-treatment, therefore, corresponds to acts committed or omitted that are psychologically harmful. These acts are committed by one or more individuals, alone or together, which result in placing the victim in a position of vulnerability. The consequences can cause both immediate and long-term damage on a behavioral, cognitive, emotional, psychosomatic or physical level.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Psychosomatic Medicine: Branch of medicine that investigates the links between physical disorder and psychological factors.
Phylogenetic: From phylogenesis that means evolution of the species, this term describes diseases progression.
Cycle of Violence: Framework described by Lenore Walker in her book that explains the construction of psychological hold.
Manipulation: Obtaining from someone, by a misleading statements, a behavior that it would not have been spontaneous.
Guilt (Feeling of): Feeling of fault experienced by a person, whether it’s real or imaginary.
Directive: EU legislative text establishing goals to be attained by the European Member States.
Emotional Anchorage: Establishment of an association between an emotional and external stimulus.
Neurovegetative: Nervous system that regulates functions of the viscera and maintains vitals fell: respiration, circulation, digestion, excretion.