by Olivia Kay

Created on: December 30, 2008

Words... certain combinations of letters that happen to go together, right? Well, technically that is true, but beyond that, words have meanings. Some words are meant to be hopeful, encouraging, and even complimentary, while others inject hurt and pain into the minds of their victims.

While bruises can usually be seen on the body of someone who is physically abused, no bruises appear on someone who is abused verbally or emotionally. However, stinging words and personality attacks can do more damage emotionally to a person than one generally realizes.

Every human being develops a self-concept, or a way they see themselves, as they grow up. While this self-concept changes several times over the years, it is always there. An individual's self-esteem and self-worth are determined through their self-concept, and a person functions best when they see themselves as worthwhile and a positive asset to society as a whole. When one feels good about themselves and their capabilities, they are more motivated and have a positive outlook on life, whereas when they do not feel this way, it is more difficult to look at the world around them positively.

Unfortunately, there have always been people in the world who gain personal power by shooting words in the direction of others which inflict pain upon others. These people seem to believe that they have more knowledge than certain people and that they have the authority to right the wrongs they see in others by yelling, shouting, and otherwise cutting into their self-concepts with the use of hurtful words and tones. These people seem to feel satisfaction and gain power through these attacks on others. What about the victims, though? How do they feel? What happens to them?

Most everyone has fallen victim to verbal abuse at least one time in their life, and no matter how minor the attack may seem, the emotional pain it creates is real and difficult to overcome. While someone may try and stand tough or claim that other's words just bounce off of them, this is often not the truth. When someone attacks your personality and compromises your view of who you are, it causes you to question yourself, your beliefs, and everything about the way you live your life, creating doubt and uncertainty in place of self-confidence and happiness.

While most people can overcome infrequent verbal attacks on the part of others either on their own or through the help of those around them, those unfortunate people who are attacked verbally daily, weekly, or

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