Sokaogon Chippewa Community News
Brighter Days
Posted on: November 10, 2022
Gaslighting is a type of emotional abuse that can happen to anyone, especially in romantic relationships.
Abusers gaslight their victims in order to maintain control in the relationship, and make their victim question their own sanity. Additionally, the effects of gaslighting may make it even harder for the victim to leave an abusive relationship because they may not even realize it’s happening.
Examples of common gaslighting phrases to help you recognize and address this very real form of emotional abuse include:
- That never happened.
- You’re crazy – and other people think so, too.
- I’m sorry you think that I hurt you.
- Do you really think I’d make that up?
- You’re just trying to confuse me. You aren’t making any sense.
- You know I’d never intentionally hurt you.
- I did that because I love you.
- You’re too sensitive.
- You should have known how I would react.
- That’s just nonsense you read on the internet. It’s not real.
- It’s not that bad. Other people have it much worse.
- You don’t really feel that way.
- I’m worried about you. You keep forgetting things.
- You have a terrible memory.
- I emailed you about the meeting. Are you sure you didn’t get it?
- You seem stressed. Not everyone can handle new responsibilities.
Kerry and Dora with the Brighter Days Program provide services to anyone harmed by domestic violence, sexual assault, teen dating violence or stalking. For assistance, contact Kerry at 715-478-6451 or Dora at 715-478-6450.