The Lifeworks Group, Inc.

By: Christine Hammond, LMHC, NCC Most state protective services constitute abuse to be neglect, sexual, or physical. But a bruise should not be a requirement for proof of abusive behavior. There are many other ways a person can be abused. Abuse can be manipulation, exploitation, maltreatment, neglect, violence, cruelty, harm, hurt, ill-treatment, and exploitive. The seven ways it is manifested is through physical, mental, verbal, emotional, financial, sexual and spiritual. The following list is not inclusive but rather provides an opportunity to explore, evaluate and discuss any potentially destructive behavior. Physical Abuse. Have you experienced: Intimidation – Bullying by standing over, looking down, or getting “in your face” and then refusing to back off. Isolation – Limiting your ability to escape from or abandoning you in dangerous situations. Restraint – Confines you by blocking a doorway, grabbing when trying to leave, locking doors with no key, or tying ...

By: Christine Hammond, LMHC Usually, abusive behavior is discussed in the context of a marriage and parent/child relationships. But in reality, it can exist anywhere, even in a work environment. Many larger corporations address obvious abuse such as hitting or screaming though the human resource department. Yet few acknowledge the more subtle methods of abuse some bosses employ. Here are the seven ways a boss can be abusive. Physical. Their posture is an aggressive stance or intimidating stare. They might even stand over the employee while talking to intensive feelings of domination. Some limit the ability to leave office by physically blocking doorway.  Shoving or pushing occurs behind closed doors with no witnesses. Even the room temperature can be increased to uncomfortable levels to further agitate the employee. Mental. A rage occurs out of nowhere in private causing the employee to fear being alone with the boss. Some use gaslighting technique to abuse by lyin...