Emotional abuse can be very damaging. It involves any use of words, voice, action, or lack of action meant to control, hurt, or demean you. Emotional abuse can be difficult to identify, but abuse usually involves repeated words and actions. Hurting your feelings over and over, a partner who doesn't care about hurting you, and being humiliated in front of others are some examples of emotional abuse. Remember that emotional abuse can be very subtle, and it often starts as cruel jokes or teasing you.