Identify the primary characteristics of emotional abuse. On one level, emotional abuse is more difficult to identify and define than physical abuse. While physical abuse leaves bruises and injuries that are clearly visible and obvious, the damage and scars left by emotional abuse are less obvious. Some of the primary characteristics emotional abusers use against their victims include (1) isolating the victim from her family and friends, (2) discouraging independent activities, (3) accusing the victim of infidelity, (3) stonewalling - always disagreeing and refusing to grant validity the the victim's perspective or point of view and (4) using sex as a weapon. Your husband's motivation is to exercise power and control by emotional degrading you. As a result, you may suffer from feelings of anxiety and depression, lack self-confidence and feel unattractive and worthless.

Recognize the stages of abuse. Emotional abuse, like physical abuse, goes through stages. Once an abusive episode ends, you may often tell yourself that everything will be OK. Emotional abuse can be divided into four stages; (1) You realize that tension is building between you and your husband. You feel the need to placate your husband in an effort to ward off the abuse. (2) An episode of abuse occurs. This may involve shouting and threats, coldness and stonewalling, refusal to allow you to engage in an activity and so forth. (3) Your husband apologizes for the behavior. Often implicit in the apology is shifting the blame to you. (4) The relationship returns to a state of calmness after the apology, tempting you to forgive the abuse and think that it may not reoccur.

Seek support from family and friends. Insist upon your right to maintain a healthy relationship with your friends and family, and don't take no for an answer. Explain your situation to your more intimate friends and family members, and ask for their support. Encourage them to call, email and visit you personally.

Develop a strong sense of self and self-confidence. Seeking professional counseling with a qualified therapist is an important step in this direction. Joining a support group of women who are victims of emotional abuse also helps to work through and understand the issues related to emotional abuse and how it affects your self-identity. Always remember that you are not the source of the problem. The origins of abuse are rooted in the abuser's psychic, social and physiological histories.

Insist your husband seek professional help to deal with his abusive behavior. Emotional abuse not only affects the immediate victim, it has serious detrimental effects on children as well. Many abusers learn their abusive behavior patterns from their parents.