Educate: Gaslighting (EN/DE)
(manipulación psicológica, manipulation mentale, manipolazione psicologica,
Газлайтинг, 煤气灯效应, ガスライティング, 가스라이팅)
Definition: psychological manipulation of a person usually over an extended period of time that causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories and typically leads to confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, uncertainty of one’s emotional or mental stability, and a dependency on the perpetrator (Merriam-Webster, 2025)
Contemplate: A list of examples of verbal manipulation follow and the impacts on someone’s self-perception.
Initiate: Reflect and discuss with others when in the below situations.
Impact of non-physical abuse: Lack of confidence, low motivation to socialize, decline is school performance, adverse childhood experiences
- “You shouldn’t feel that way” – Domestic violence is a form of oppression
- “You’re taking it wrong” – PTSD can develop from prolonged exposure to unhealthy environments
- “I didn’t mean it” – On average it takes women of abuse 7 attempts to leave an abusive relationship.
- “Why be so sensitive?” – Domestic violence is a crime. It is not allowed for anyone to legally physically harm or harass another person.
- “You just want attention!” – Children experience higher Adverse Childhood Experience Scores when witnessing and experiencing Domestic Violence.