Is Repeated Verbal Abuse and Public Humiliation a Form of Abuse?

Abuse doesn't always leave physical scars. In many cases, the most damaging wounds are emotional—and they often stem from repeated verbal attacks and public humiliation. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Is what I’m experiencing considered abuse?” you're not alone. Let’s break it down.

What Is Verbal Abuse?

Verbal abuse involves the use of language to hurt, demean, or control another person. This may include:

Name-calling
Insults
Constant criticism
Gaslighting
Threats or intimidation

When verbal abuse happens repeatedly, especially over a long period of time, it can wear down a person's self-esteem and sense of safety.

What About Public Humiliation?

Public humiliation goes a step further—it’s when someone deliberately shames or degrades you in front of others. This could happen in the workplace, at home, in social settings, or even online. It can look like:

Being mocked in front of friends or coworkers
Having personal or sensitive information shared without consent
Being laughed at or publicly corrected in a demeaning way

So, Is It Abuse?

Yes. Repeated verbal abuse and public humiliation are widely recognized as forms of emotional or psychological abuse. Emotional abuse is just as serious as physical abuse and can lead to long-term psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.

Emotional abuse often includes a pattern of behavior meant to control, belittle, or isolate another person. It’s important to note that you don’t have to be physically harmed for the abuse to be real or valid.

What Does the Law Say in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, repeated verbal abuse and public humiliation may be covered under several laws, depending on the context and the identity of the victim.

✅ For Women and Children in Domestic or Romantic Relationships:

Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (VAWC Law), recognizes psychological violence as a punishable offense. This includes:

Repeated verbal abuse
Harassment and intimidation
Public ridicule or humiliation
Mental or emotional anguish

Victims may file for protection orders and pursue criminal charges. Penalties may include imprisonment and fines, depending on the severity of the abuse.

✅ For Men and Other Genders (or Non-Domestic Settings):

While RA 9262 focuses on women and their children, other laws protect everyone, regardless of gender identity:

1. Revised Penal Code (RPC) of the Philippines – Applicable to all
Some provisions that may apply include:

Article 287: Unjust Vexation – when someone causes you irritation, annoyance, or emotional disturbance.
Article 282: Grave Threats – if someone verbally threatens to harm you or your property.
Article 358: Oral Defamation (Slander) – when someone publicly attacks your character.
Article 364: Intriguing Against Honor – when false or harmful rumors are spread to damage your reputation.

2. Republic Act No. 11313: The Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) – Gender-Inclusive
This law prohibits gender-based verbal abuse, sexual remarks, slurs, and public humiliation in:

Streets and public spaces
Workplaces and schools
Online platforms

It applies to all genders, including men and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

3. Civil Code – Claiming Damages
If the abuse results in psychological harm, the victim (regardless of gender) may pursue a civil case for damages, especially if supported by documentation or expert evaluation.

Why It’s Important to Speak Up

Emotional and verbal abuse can be difficult to identify, especially if it’s been normalized in your relationships. But recognizing it is the first step toward healing. Whether it’s in a romantic relationship, workplace, family dynamic, or friendship, no one deserves to be consistently put down or humiliated.

You are allowed to set boundaries. You are allowed to say no. And you are absolutely allowed to walk away from toxic environments.

What Can You Do?

If you believe you or someone you know is experiencing emotional abuse:

Reach out to a trusted friend or family member.
Speak to a licensed mental health professional.
Contact local or national abuse support services.
File a report with your Barangay or local authorities.

Organizations like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) provide resources and legal support for victims of abuse. Men may also contact legal aid centers or the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) for guidance.

Disclaimer:
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or psychological advice. I am not a lawyer or licensed mental health professional. For personalized help, please consult a qualified attorney or contact the appropriate government agencies or support services.

🔥 The Hidden Meaning Behind the MS-13 Knuckle Tattoo

When it comes to gang-related tattoos, few are as iconic and feared as the MS-13 knuckle tattoo . These markings aren’t just ink—they’re statements of loyalty, violence, and power. In this article, we’ll decode the MS-13 knuckle tattoo meaning , its symbolism, origins, and what it communicates in the gang underworld. 🔍 What Is MS-13? Mara Salvatrucha , commonly known as MS-13 , is one of the most violent and notorious street gangs in the world. Originally formed in Los Angeles in the 1980s by Salvadoran immigrants, the gang quickly grew into a powerful criminal organization spanning across the United States, Central America, and beyond. The gang is infamous for its brutal crimes, including drug trafficking, extortion, murder, and human smuggling. With such a feared reputation, the symbolism behind the MS-13 tattoos —especially the knuckle variants—is intense and deeply meaningful. 🖐️ The Meaning of the MS-13 Knuckle Tattoo The MS-13 knuckle tattoo typically features the lette...

What Happened to Ophelia? Unraveling the Tragic Fate of Shakespeare’s Iconic Character

Ophelia’s fate in Shakespeare’s Hamlet is one of the most haunting and mysterious aspects of the play. But what exactly happens to this tragic figure? Her story is filled with intrigue, confusion, and tragic beauty, leaving generations of audiences and readers to wonder: did Ophelia die by drowning, or was her death the result of something more sinister? Let’s dive into the complexities of Ophelia’s life and death, and try to unpack what truly happened to her. Who Was Ophelia in Hamlet ? Before we get into the details of Ophelia’s fate, let’s first understand who she was in Shakespeare’s Hamlet . Ophelia is a young woman caught between the pressure of her family, her love for Prince Hamlet, and the chaotic world around her. Her father, Polonius, is the royal advisor, and her brother, Laertes, is a foil to Hamlet. Throughout the play, Ophelia is an innocent and pure character, constantly manipulated by the men in her life. She’s often seen as the tragic victim, and her descent int...

🌟 What Does kelebu Truly Mean? A Surprising Journey into Language and Culture

When you encounter the word kelebu , what's your first thought? This curious term has been circulating in popular culture, music, and even botanical references. Let's embark on an unexpected exploration that goes beyond the usual clichés and surface-level definitions. 🎶 From Nigerian Slang to Party Anthem You might’ve glimpsed kelebu in recent Nigerian Afrobeats chatter. According to user-generated content on Instagram, kelebu is commonly used as slang meaning “to have fun” or “to party hard” , popularised through social clips and entertainment trends Instagram . It’s vibrant, youthful, and evocative of joy and release. 🌿 Then There’s the Botanical Twist Surprisingly, kelebu isn’t just fun and games. In the realm of botany, kelebu refers to a plant species— Borassus aethiopum —found in the Central African Republic, according to a well-established botanical compilation Wisdom Library . This duality—slang on one side, plant name on the other—makes kelebu a linguistic ...

What Does 1738 Mean in Slang? The Surprising Story Behind the Numbers

Ever come across someone shouting "1738!" in a song or a meme and thought, Wait… what does that even mean? I had the same question the first time I heard it. Let’s dive into the fun and surprisingly rich story of what 1738 means in slang . The Origins of 1738 The number 1738 became popular thanks to rapper Fetty Wap. In his hit songs like Trap Queen , he shouts “1738!” as part of his signature. But he didn’t just pick random numbers—there’s a meaning behind it. Fetty Wap was part of a music crew called the Remy Boyz 1738 , inspired by Rémy Martin 1738 , a premium cognac brand. The "1738" on the bottle refers to the year King Louis XV of France granted Rémy Martin permission to expand his vineyards. That royal nod gave the brand a legendary status. So in slang, “1738” quickly became a shoutout to: The Remy Boyz crew A symbol of luxury and celebration A way to flex or show off good vibes How 1738 Became Slang At first, it was just Fetty Wap repping...

🐂 Why Do Bulls Have Rings in Their Nose? | Unmasking the Tradition and Control Behind the Steel

For centuries, the image of a bull with a gleaming ring through its nose has been both iconic and intimidating. But why do bulls have rings in their nose ? Is it just tradition, or is there a deeper reasoning rooted in animal behavior, safety, and human-bovine interaction? This post dives deep into the real purpose, unspoken cultural significance, and modern implications of this practice — offering a fresh angle you won’t find anywhere else. ⚙️ The Silent Language of Steel: Understanding Bull Behavior Through Nose Rings Bulls are not your average livestock. Their sheer power, territorial instincts, and hormonal aggression set them apart from cows and steers. Unlike passive animals, bulls can pose a serious safety threat if not properly managed. This is where the nose ring for bulls enters the scene — not as a fashion accessory, but as a critical tool for control . The nose is one of the most sensitive areas of a bull’s body. Piercing the septum and attaching a ring is not a casua...

🌍 How Many Countries Are in the World? (2025 Updated Guide)

If you’ve ever asked, “How many countries are there in the world?” — you’re not alone. It’s one of the most searched geography questions on Google. In this blog, we’ll break down the exact number of countries in the world in 2025, what qualifies as a “country,” and how political recognition affects the count. ✅ Quick Answer: How Many Countries Are There in the World? As of 2025 , there are 195 countries in the world. 193 are member states of the United Nations 2 are UN observer states : the Vatican City and Palestine 🌐 What Counts as a Country? The term country is often used interchangeably with nation or sovereign state , but there are nuances. To be officially considered a country, a place must typically: Have a defined territory Have a permanent population Operate under its own government Have the capacity to enter into relations with other countries This definition aligns with the Montevideo Convention of 1933 , which outlines the criteria for sta...

❌📺 Why Does My Sky Keep Turning Off? A Troubleshooting Guide You Need

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, " Why does my Sky keep turning off? ", you're not alone. Many subscribers experience this frustrating issue, and it can interrupt your favorite shows, live sports, or important news. Whether you're using Sky Q , Sky HD , or Sky Glass , the problem of your Sky box or TV turning off unexpectedly can stem from various reasons. In this blog post, we’ll dig deep into the most common causes—and how you can fix them—so you can enjoy uninterrupted viewing again. ⚙️🛠️ Automatic Standby Settings: The Hidden Culprit Behind Your Sky Turning Off One of the most frequent answers to the question, " Why does my Sky keep turning off by itself? " lies in your automatic standby settings . To save energy, Sky devices are programmed to go into standby mode after a period of inactivity—usually around four hours. If no buttons on the remote are pressed within that window, the device assumes no one is watching and powers down to save ele...

Unearthing Mysteries: The Life of a Spelunker

In the hidden depths of our world lie treasures waiting to be discovered—natural underground features that hold secrets of the earth’s history, unique ecosystems, and awe-inspiring beauty. The brave souls who venture into these dark, mysterious realms are known as spelunkers, or cave explorers. This blog post delves into the fascinating world of spelunking, exploring the motivations, challenges, and wonders that drive these intrepid adventurers. The Call of the Abyss For many spelunkers, the allure of the underground is irresistible. The call of the abyss beckons those with an insatiable curiosity and a thirst for adventure. These explorers are drawn to the unknown, eager to uncover the secrets hidden beneath the surface. Whether it's the promise of discovering new cave systems, studying unique geological formations, or simply experiencing the thrill of navigating uncharted territory, spelunkers are driven by a deep sense of wonder and exploration. The Science Behind the Adventure ...

What Does Kirk Mean in German? Surprising Origins Explained

Have you ever stumbled on the word kirk and wondered if it has a German connection? At first glance, it doesn’t sound very German, but it does pop up when people search for word meanings. Let’s dive in and uncover what kirk really means in German and why it’s a word with a twist. The Word “Kirk” at First Glance The word kirk isn’t a common term in modern German. In fact, if you asked a German speaker about it, most would look puzzled. That’s because kirk is not directly a German word—it’s actually of Scottish and Old Norse origin , meaning church . However, there’s an interesting overlap. In German, the word for church is Kirche (pronounced keer-keh ). Doesn’t that sound a little bit like kirk ? That similarity is where the confusion often starts. How “Kirk” and “Kirche” Connect Here’s where language history gets fun. The words kirk and Kirche both come from the same ancient root: the Greek word kyriakon , meaning “house of the Lord.” Over centuries, this root spread thro...

The Villain Who Became Pregnant With The Alpha’s Child: A Tale of Unexpected Twists

“The Villain Who Became Pregnant With The Alpha’s Child” is a captivating narrative that takes readers on an unexpected journey. This story revolves around an Omega who, after a single night, finds himself pregnant with the Alpha’s child . The Unusual Protagonist The protagonist of this tale is ‘Sung Eun-Yul’ , a character who was originally a villain. Sung Eun-Yul was known for his evil deeds towards the main characters, which eventually led to his downfall. However, the past is the past, and now, Sung Eun-Yul just wants to live happily with his child. The Unexpected Encounter While living his new life, Sung Eun-Yul encounters Kang Ha-Joon , the main character of the novel, who suddenly appears in front of him. Kang Ha-Joon , who didn’t even spare Sung Eun-Yul a second glance in the original work, now seems to be interested in him. The Proposal Kang Ha-Joon proposes to Sung Eun-Yul , "I’ll do everything you want, so give me three months.". Despite his init...

I Love Learning

Search This Blog