10 Hidden Ways a Group Abuses an Individual

By: Christine Hammond LMHC


Some abuse is obvious: a punch to the face, name calling, guilt-tripping, physical isolation, and neglect. But others are done in a more calculated, secretive manner. Yet, they can be just as damaging. Even more significant is when the abuse is conducted within a coordinated group setting. This causes the target to feel like it is them against the whole organization.

The individual verses the large unit could be a variety of settings. For instance, it could be a new employee entering into an established team, a spouse coming into their in-law’s home, or a new believer approaching a church. Whatever the environment, the unit is pre-established with their own set of rules and standards. However, instead of welcoming the newcomer, they are met with unreasonable expectations and abusive treatment designed to demonstrate that the new person is not part of the group. Here is how it is done:

1.       Indifference. It didn’t matter what Susie said, her comments were returned with a blank stare and an instant change of the subject. Even when she was on point, in agreement, or added a new perspective, she received nothing in return.
2.      Discounting.  When John shared how he felt hurt by a remark, he was told, “You shouldn’t feel that way.” His emotional responses to hurtful statements were discounted, minimized, and villainized. This was done to make his behavior look abusive.
3.      Snubbing. Angie did not come from the same strict religious background that everyone else experienced. However, she had grown in her faith and knowledge in the last several years. Yet, whenever she would make a spiritual comment, she was instantly snubbed with silence or the occasional roll of the eyes.
4.      Disinterest. After spending years with this same group, James realized that the only one who never shared his story was him. As he approached the subject, he was immediately met with disinterest. He still persisted but as he was speaking, slowly each member got up and physically left the group.
5.      Coldness. Just walking into the room, Elizabeth could feel the coldness towards her. She was eight months pregnant and not one person asked how she was feeling or offered her a place to sit. Everyone else experienced warm greetings and conversation, but she was shunned.
6.      Censuring. While in the middle of talking about an experience, Matthew was told he could speak no further. “We don’t talk about that here,” was stated very clearly. His remarks were not inappropriate however; he was being censured because no one else in the group had the same shared experience.
7.      Exposing. Mary shared about her previous abusive relationship confidentially with one person in the group. At the next gathering, another person made a stabbing remark that clearly indicated her private information had been exposed to the group without her consent or knowledge.
8.     Unappreciative. In an effort to connect with the group, Tom decided to offer his help on a project. Even though he performed the task well, there was no show of thanks. Yet everyone else who worked on the project, even those who did it grudgingly, received appreciation.
9.      Sarcasm. Just when Hannah started to feel part of the conversation, one person made a sarcastic remark directed at her. The expression on Hannah’s face was one of hurt to which the person replied, “I was only joking.” Immediately, she felt isolated from the group yet again.
10.  Denigrating. Over a period of time, it became apparent that Daniel’s reputation had been denigrated by the group. Regardless of the strides he made, there was a constant air of not forgetting and not forgiving his previous behavior.

It doesn’t matter if the group does these behaviors at a conscious or subconscious level; it is still hurtful and wrong. Eventually the individual gets the hint and leaves the unit all together. This is precisely what the established organization wants but it is to their detriment, as without new life, the group literally and figuratively dies one member at a time.

To schedule an appointment with Christine Hammond,
Please call our office at 407-647-7005.

www.lifeworksgroup.org

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