Domestic abuse takes many forms and can cause severe harm to victims in different ways on multiple levels. Often media coverage of domestic abuse sensationalizes physical violence – and ignores the non-violent (or, perhaps, more accurately, non-physical) aspects of domestic abuse.

Yet the abuse that doesn’t leave a visible scar (“hidden abuse”) nearly always accompanies physical abuse – and, according to reports, often hurts abuse victims far worse.

The Dickson (TN) Herald offers a perceptive and powerful article in Domestic violence victim survives years of abuse. This piece stands out by also emphasizing the mental and emotional abuse allegedly inflicted by the allegedly controlling spouse.

Although published a couple of months ago, this article is timely, because this kind of abuse often escalates during the increased family togetherness of the extended holiday season.