I've been a victim of domestic violence, specifically verbal abuse, and it has deeply impacted my life. Verbal abuse is a form of violence that often goes unseen and unaddressed. Unlike physical abuse, it doesn't leave visible scars, but the emotional and psychological damage is profound and lasting. This experience has made me realize that not enough is done to protect victims from this insidious form of domestic violence.

Verbal abuse includes constant insults, threats, humiliation, and degrading language, which can erode a person's self-esteem and mental health over time. It's crucial to understand that words can be just as harmful as physical aggression, leading to anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite its devastating effects, verbal abuse is often dismissed or overlooked by the authorities, resulting in a lack of protection and support for victims.

To combat this issue, we must strengthen existing laws and policies regarding verbal abuse in households. Increased resources should be allocated to train law enforcement and social services to recognize and intervene in cases of verbal abuse effectively. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can educate communities about the signs and consequences of verbal abuse, encouraging victims to seek help and reducing the stigma associated with speaking out.

Legislation should be updated to explicitly recognize verbal abuse as a form of domestic violence, ensuring that victims have access to legal recourse and protection measures similar to those available for physical abuse. Establishing clearer protocols for intervention and support can make a significant difference in the lives of victims suffering in silence.

I urge policymakers and community leaders to take this issue seriously and take immediate action to protect countless individuals from the emotional and psychological devastation of verbal abuse. Together, we can create a safer environment where every individual is valued and respected. Please sign this petition to call for stronger protections against verbal abuse in households.  To whom it may concern,  
We, the undersigned citizens, firmly believe that verbal abuse must be recognized and prosecuted as a felony due to its profound and lasting harm to human life, mental health, and social stability.
Verbal abuse is not “just words.” It is a systematic form of psychological violence. It breaks down a person’s self-worth, causes measurable harm to the brain and body, and can drive victims into depression, anxiety, trauma disorders, addiction, or suicide. Modern neuroscience confirms that prolonged emotional abuse activates the same regions of the brain affected by physical assault — meaning that verbal assault inflicts authentic trauma, even without visible wounds.
Currently, the law criminalizes physical assault but dismisses verbal aggression as “free speech” or “a private matter.” Yet, when language is weaponized to terrorize, humiliate, manipulate, or control another person, it loses any rightful protection under free expression. Freedom of speech does not include freedom to psychologically injure. The First Amendment should never shield conduct that deliberately causes serious emotional distress and long-term harm.
Moreover, society already acknowledges the power of words through laws against harassment, threats, hate speech, and stalking. Expanding felony protection to sustained verbal abuse aligns with existing legal precedent that recognizes psychological injury as a legitimate form of violence. Victims deserve equal justice, whether their scars are on their skin or in their minds.
We propose that intentional, repeated verbal abuse—especially in domestic, workplace, or caregiving contexts—be classified as a felony offense when it results in significant emotional or psychological harm. Such abuse should be treated on par with other acts of coercive control, intimidation, or mental cruelty.
To ignore verbal abuse is to condone silent violence. Too many lives are destroyed not by fists, but by words that erode the spirit. By making verbal abuse a felony, we will send a clear message that every person’s dignity, mental health, and peace of mind deserve legal protection.
We respectfully urge our lawmakers to act now — to modernize our understanding of violence and safeguard all citizens from psychological harm as seriously as we do physical harm.