Learn more about psychological violence and how to fight it

Psychological violence is as harmful as other types of violence and therefore, knowing about it is very important. For this, psychologist Daisa Tigre (CRP: 08/31057) and lawyer Helena Cinque (OAB/PR 106.588) clarified everything you need to know to combat the problem. Keep reading!

What is psychological violence?

”Psychological violence is a form of aggression against another that occurs without the use of physical contact. In this way, it is more difficult to identify, as it occurs in a veiled way”, says Daisa. Also according to the psychologist, the aggressor uses violence by hiding through a protective response and obligations that the subject must do. Thus, psychological violence manifests itself through intimidation, manipulation and torture.

The professional indicates that, often, both the aggressor and the victim are sick and need adequate treatment. The very social idea of ​​relationships also helps violence to be seen as something natural. Daisa says: “remembering that not everything is psychological violence, it is necessary to understand how the relationship is happening and seek help, if you are feeling both in the role of victim and aggressor.”

How to identify psychological violence

The psychologist indicates that this type of violence can be perceived when: threats, humiliation, control, insult, shouting, image control, demoralization, indifference and/or bullying occur in the relationship.

Examples of psychological violence

Daisa pointed out some commonly used phrases in situations of psychological abuse. Look that:

According to the psychologist, these statements are used as a form of control in relation to the other, so that the self-esteem of this subject is depreciated and that he becomes dependent on the aggressor. She adds: “We need to be able to live whole and independent relationships. If you feel dependent or like a bully seek help, this is not love!”

How to report psychological violence

Lawyer Helena Cinque indicates that the first step is for the victim to know that they can be accepted by the judiciary. The complaint can be made in person or online through the Virtual Police Station, preferably at a Women’s Police Station. Helena also says that, “at this point, if the victim has already gathered evidence of the aggressions (prints, audios, videos, etc.) ” After the complaint is made, the ideal is to request, at the police station, a Protective Measure, as it guarantees that, in theory, the aggressor will not have contact with the victim, under penalty of imprisonment.

The lawyer says that, due to the home isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, innovative and safe measures were created so that the victim can ask for help, even though they are in forced coexistence with the aggressor. This is the case of the Red light in pharmacies, for example, defined in Lei.188/2021. “As a volunteer lawyer for the Justiceiras Project, I see this as an advance, because now we can reach out to women who unfortunately cannot go to a Police Station”, she says.

How psychological violence can be proven

“Legally speaking, psychological violence is understood as a set of threats, embarrassment, humiliation, manipulation, isolation, keeping the person under constant surveillance, stalking, insulting, determining what type of clothing the person should wear, among other behavioral aspects that cause emotional damage”, says Helena. What often raises doubts in the victim is how to prove something so subjective. Therefore, the professional emphasizes the importance of recording as much as possible all the aggressor’s actions, such as messages, photos, videos, audio recordings and witnesses who saw or knew about the existence of violence.

The relationship of the Maria da Penha Law with the context of psychological violence

The Maria da Penha Law (Nº 11.340/06), an achievement of feminist struggles, addresses all types of domestic violence, including psychological violence, according to the lawyer. Despite being an aggression that does not leave physical marks, it is one of the most common types of violence, so legislators have brought changes related to it, both in the Penal Code and in the Maria da Penha Law, through Law No. 14.188/21. Helena points out that psychological violence against women now has a prison sentence of 6 months to 2 years and a fine, if the conduct does not constitute a more serious crime. “Furthermore, Art. 12-C of the Maria da Penha Law, which previously addressed the immediate removal of the aggressor from the home, domicile or place of coexistence with the victim only in cases of current or imminent risk to life or physical integrity, now also addresses cases of psychological violence. ”, says the professional.

Information is very important to understand this subtle but very negative form of oppression. Now that you understand a little more about psychological violence, read also about other forms of violence against women.