❤ Traumatic Bonding: Understanding the Emotional and Psychological Dynamics of Harmful Attachments
Traumatic bonding, also known as toxic
attachment or pathological bonding, refers to the emotional
connection that forms between an abuser and their victim, often despite the
harm inflicted. This bond can be as strong as or stronger than healthy
attachments, making it incredibly difficult for the victim to break free from
the abusive relationship. Over time, the victim may become emotionally
dependent on the abuser, feeling trapped in a cycle of emotional
manipulation and abusive behavior. What starts as a seemingly normal
or even loving relationship can devolve into a destructive pattern where
affection and abuse become intertwined.
 |
| Traumatic bonding |
The phenomenon of traumatic bonding can affect individuals across various types of relationships romantic, familial, or even professional. The emotional confusion, guilt, and fear experienced by the victim often prevent them from seeing the relationship for what it truly is: a toxic and harmful attachment. In this article, we will explore the psychological, emotional, and social dynamics of traumatic bonding, its impact on individuals, and how it overlaps with other psychological conditions like Stockholm Syndrome and attachment disorders. By understanding the roots of these toxic bonds, we can better comprehend how they form, why they persist, and how individuals can break free from them.
💓 Understanding Traumatic Bonding
Definition of Traumatic Bonding
Traumatic bonding refers to the powerful
emotional attachment that forms between a victim and their abuser in
relationships marked by power imbalance and cycles of abuse. Unlike healthy
bonds, which are based on mutual respect, emotional support, and equality, traumatic
bonding develops due to repeated cycles of abuse, followed by intermittent
moments of kindness or affection. This cycle can create confusion in the
victim’s mind, causing them to perceive the abuser's affection as genuine love,
which deepens their emotional attachment. Victims often feel a strong
connection to the abuser despite the harm they endure. This attachment can
become so intense that the victim may feel unable to leave the relationship,
even when it causes them significant emotional or physical damage.
Differences Between Healthy and Traumatic Attachment
The key difference between healthy attachment
and traumatic bonding lies in the nature of the emotional connection. A
healthy attachment is based on respect, mutual care, and trust, where both
parties are emotionally supported. In contrast, traumatic bonding is
characterized by emotional volatility, fear, and manipulation. While a healthy
attachment allows for personal growth and emotional well-being, traumatic
bonding causes emotional distress and dependency. Victims of traumatic
bonding may find themselves oscillating between feelings of love and fear,
leading to intense psychological confusion. The bond in healthy attachment
provides a secure foundation for both parties, whereas traumatic bonding
forces the victim to sacrifice their emotional health for the illusion of
affection from the abuser.
The Psychological Roots of a Harmful Bond
The psychological foundation of traumatic bonding
often lies in the abusive dynamics within the relationship. Abusers may
initially charm their victims with kindness and affection, only to later use
manipulation, threats, or violence to assert control. These drastic shifts
between affection and harm cause confusion and dependency in the victim. Over
time, victims begin to associate affection from the abuser with validation and
emotional comfort, creating an unhealthy attachment. This bond is reinforced by
intermittent reinforcement, where small gestures of love or care amid abuse
feel especially rewarding. The victim becomes psychologically conditioned to
stay in the relationship, believing that the abuser's positive behaviors
outweigh the abuse. This creates an emotionally and psychologically taxing
cycle that is difficult for the victim to break free from.
 |
| psychological trauma |
Stages Victims Go Through in a Traumatic Relationship
Victims of traumatic bonding typically undergo
several stages in their relationship with an abuser. These stages often
include:
➤ Idealization: At first, the abuser may appear perfect, showing affection and promises
of love, which makes the victim feel special and valued.
➤ Devaluation: As the relationship progresses, the abuser begins to show more
controlling and manipulative behaviors, including verbal, emotional, or
physical abuse.
➤ Reconciliation: After an episode of abuse, the abuser may apologize, express regret, or
show acts of kindness, creating the illusion that things are improving.
➤ Trapping: Victims may feel trapped in the relationship, either due to emotional
dependency or fear of the consequences of leaving. This often leads to feelings
of isolation and hopelessness.
These stages often loop repeatedly, reinforcing the emotional dependency and
attachment that the victim feels toward their abuser.
 |
| trauma and relationships |
The Role of Childhood Trauma in Shaping Abuse-Based Bonds
Victims who have experienced early childhood trauma,
such as neglect, abandonment, or emotional abuse, are at a higher risk of
developing traumatic bonds in adulthood. Early attachment disruptions
can lead to insecure or disorganized attachment styles, which make individuals
more vulnerable to forming unhealthy relationships later in life. Those who
grew up in abusive or neglectful environments may subconsciously recreate these
dynamics in adult relationships. They may view the traumatic bond as a
familiar, though harmful, form of emotional connection, which feels more
comfortable than seeking out healthy, secure relationships. These individuals
may find it difficult to identify healthy relationship dynamics and may
continue to seek out abusive or emotionally damaging partners, subconsciously
craving the emotional intensity of abuse that mirrors their early life
experiences.
 |
| childhood trauma |
💓 Emotional and Psychological Dynamics of a Toxic Bond
Emotional Confusion and the Cycle of Abuse and Reconciliation
One of the most confounding aspects of traumatic bonding is the emotional confusion that victims experience. The cycle of
abuse, followed by moments of reconciliation, can leave the victim in a state
of psychological turmoil. After an episode of abuse, the abuser may shower the
victim with affection, which can be misinterpreted as love. These intermittent
"love-bombing" phases create an illusion of hope and healing,
reinforcing the bond. Victims become emotionally addicted to these small
moments of affection, which are often used as rewards to keep them invested in
the relationship. The victim may feel torn between the fear of further abuse
and the hope that things will improve, making it incredibly difficult to break
free from the bond.
The Illusion of Love vs. Attachment to the Abuser
In traumatic bonding, the victim often confuses
the cycle of abuse with love. The abuser may offer occasional affection or
intimacy, which the victim interprets as proof of love, despite the violence or
emotional harm that occurs between these moments. This is a distorted view of
love that can make it harder for the victim to recognize the relationship's
toxic nature. The victim becomes attached not to a genuine, healthy
relationship, but to the emotional highs and lows that accompany the toxic
bond. This attachment can create a false sense of belonging and validation,
despite the underlying emotional harm being inflicted.
Codependency and Emotional Addiction
Traumatic bonding often leads to codependency,
a state where the victim feels they cannot function without the abuser. This
emotional addiction means that the victim becomes so reliant on the abuser's
affection, validation, and approval that they lose their sense of self. Over
time, the victim may begin to sacrifice their own well-being, desires, and
needs to maintain the relationship. The abuser, knowing the victim's emotional
dependency, may exploit this need for validation, manipulating the victim into
staying. This cycle creates an unhealthy, codependent relationship that is
difficult to escape, as the victim feels they need the abuser to survive
emotionally.
The Role of Denial, Fear, and Guilt in Maintaining the Bond
One of the key elements that traumatic bonding
thrives on is denial. Victims often deny the extent of the abuse or rationalize
the abuser's behavior, especially when moments of affection follow the abuse.
This denial allows the bond to persist. Fear also plays a significant role—fear
of physical harm, fear of being alone, or fear of the abuser's reactions can
prevent the victim from leaving the relationship. Guilt is another powerful
emotion, where the victim feels responsible for the abuser’s actions or
believes that they must "fix" the abuser. These emotions become
internalized, leading to a vicious cycle that reinforces the traumatic bond.
Emotional Manipulation in an Emotionally Abusive Relationship
Emotional manipulation is a common tool used by
abusers to maintain the toxic bond. Techniques such as gaslighting,
guilt-tripping, and love-bombing can confuse the victim, making them doubt
their own feelings or perceptions. The abuser may shift the blame for the abuse
onto the victim or make them feel unworthy of love, further entrenching the
emotional attachment. These manipulative tactics are often subtle and can be
difficult to identify at first, making it even harder for the victim to escape
the cycle of emotional abuse and traumatic bonding.
💓 Biological and Neurochemical Roots of Traumatic Bonding
Dopamine, Cortisol, and Oxytocin in Reinforcing the Bond
The brain plays a crucial role in reinforcing traumatic
bonding through neurochemical responses. Dopamine, the chemical
responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward, is released when the victim
experiences moments of affection from the abuser. Oxytocin, often
referred to as the "bonding hormone," is also released during moments
of intimacy or connection, strengthening the emotional attachment. On the other
hand, cortisol, the stress hormone, is released during episodes of abuse
or fear, causing heightened anxiety and distress. These chemical reactions
create a cycle where the victim feels emotional highs and lows, reinforcing the
bond with the abuser. Over time, the victim's brain becomes conditioned to
associate the abuser with emotional intensity, making it difficult for them to
break free from the traumatic bond.
The “Reward-Punishment” Trap in Toxic Relationships
In toxic relationships, the victim is often
subjected to a "reward-punishment" dynamic. After an abusive episode,
the abuser may offer rewards in the form of affection, gifts, or promises of
change, which temporarily alleviate the victim's emotional pain. This
intermittent reinforcement makes the victim crave more of the positive
attention, despite the emotional cost. The victim’s brain becomes conditioned
to seek these small rewards, even though they come after periods of punishment
or abuse. This pattern makes the traumatic bond even stronger, as the
victim becomes addicted to the emotional highs and the hope that things will
improve.
How the Body Becomes Addicted to the Emotional Rollercoaster
The body’s neurochemical responses to the highs and lows of a toxic bond can lead to physical addiction. The cycle of abuse, followed by affection, mimics patterns seen in addictive behaviors. The victim's brain becomes dependent on the emotional rollercoaster, where the stress and anxiety caused by the abuse are countered by the emotional highs that come with reconciliation. Over time, the victim becomes desensitized to the negative effects of the abuse and instead craves the emotional rush that accompanies it. This creates an addictive dynamic that is difficult to break free from.
💓 Social and Cultural Dimensions of Toxic Relationships
How Society Romanticizes Toxic Bonds in Media
In many societies, toxic relationships are often
romanticized through media such as movies, TV shows, and books. These
portrayals frequently depict dysfunctional relationships as passionate or
exciting, even though they are emotionally or physically harmful. This
romanticization creates unrealistic expectations about love, with many
individuals believing that enduring abuse is a sign of true devotion or that
love should involve pain. Traumatic bonding is normalized through these
depictions, leading people to question whether their toxic relationships are
“just a part of love.” In reality, these portrayals disguise the true nature of
emotional abuse and the dangers of traumatic bonding, making it harder
for victims to recognize their own relationships as harmful.
The Role of Religion and Tradition in Justifying Endurance
Cultural and religious beliefs often play a significant
role in sustaining traumatic bonds. In certain societies, traditional
values about family, loyalty, and sacrifice encourage individuals, especially
women, to endure emotional or physical abuse. Religious teachings may emphasize
forgiveness or the sanctity of marriage, leading individuals to feel guilty for
considering leaving their abusive partners. This societal pressure reinforces
the victim’s commitment to the abuser, even when the relationship is damaging.
The concept of traumatic bonding in such cases is not only emotional but
also becomes entangled with the cultural and religious pressures to stay in the
relationship, further complicating the victim’s ability to break free.
Harmful Cultural Beliefs Around Love, Loyalty, and Sacrifice
Certain cultural beliefs can create an environment
where toxic relationships thrive. These beliefs often prioritize
loyalty, self-sacrifice, and the idea that love requires enduring hardship. In
such cultures, individuals may be expected to "tough it out" and
remain in relationships regardless of emotional or physical abuse. These ideals
can create a warped sense of what love is supposed to look like. Victims may
believe that enduring pain is a necessary component of love, leading them to
accept abusive behaviors as part of a "true" relationship. This
results in an intensification of the traumatic bond, as the victim
continues to rationalize their suffering as an expression of love.
Normalization of Abuse in Certain Family or Community Settings
In some families or communities, abuse is normalized
to the extent that it becomes invisible to those involved. Victims may not
recognize that their relationship is toxic because they have grown up in
environments where abusive behavior is commonplace. In these settings, abuse is
often passed down from generation to generation, and traumatic bonding
can become ingrained in the fabric of family dynamics. Children who witness or
experience abuse may internalize these patterns and later recreate them in
their own relationships. This cyclical nature of abuse makes it difficult for
victims to break free from their toxic bonds, as they have never been
shown a healthier model of relationships.
💓 Family, Authority, and Non-Romantic Pathological Bonds
Traumatic Bonds in Parent-Child or Sibling Relationships
While traumatic bonding is most often discussed
in the context of romantic relationships, it can also occur in parent-child or
sibling relationships. In these dynamics, emotional abuse, neglect, or manipulation
may create bonds that are difficult to sever, even when the victim recognizes
the dysfunctionality of the relationship. For example, a child may form a bond
with an emotionally distant or abusive parent, constantly seeking validation or
approval despite the harm caused by the parent. The victim may feel an
overwhelming sense of responsibility for the abuser’s emotions or behavior,
perpetuating the cycle of emotional dependency. In such cases, the victim may
feel that they must endure the relationship due to familial obligations or
guilt, which reinforces the traumatic bond.
Power-Driven Abusive Bonds in the Workplace or Schools
Traumatic bonding can also occur in
non-romantic settings, such as the workplace or schools, where there is a
significant power imbalance. For instance, employees may develop strong
emotional attachments to abusive bosses or coworkers due to constant
manipulation, intimidation, or favoritism. Similarly, students may form bonds
with teachers or authority figures who control or belittle them. The abuse of
power creates a dependency in the victim, making them believe that they cannot
function or succeed without the approval of the abuser. In these cases, the
bond is built on fear and manipulation, but the victim may continue to feel
attached to the abuser, making it difficult to break free from the toxic
environment.
Digital Control: Traumatic Bonding in Online Relationships
With the rise of digital communication, traumatic
bonding is no longer confined to physical spaces. In online relationships,
where emotional manipulation can be covert and less visible to others, the
victim may become even more isolated. The abuser can use digital means to
control the victim’s thoughts, feelings, and actions, creating a similar cycle
of affection and harm. Victims of traumatic bonding in online
relationships may feel emotionally manipulated through constant messaging,
love-bombing, or threats. The virtual space removes many of the external checks
that could alert the victim to the toxicity of the relationship, allowing the
emotional bond to deepen and making it more difficult for the victim to break
free from the abuse.
Witnessing Abuse: Effects on Children and Observers
Children or other family members who witness traumatic
bonding in relationships may be negatively affected. These witnesses may
begin to see the abusive behavior as acceptable or normal. Children, in
particular, are impressionable and may come to associate love with pain or
control, just as their parent or caregiver does. This normalization of abuse
can have long-lasting effects on the psychological and emotional development of
children, who may later replicate these abusive patterns in their own
relationships. For observers, the constant cycle of traumatic bonding
can foster confusion, fear, and helplessness, preventing them from intervening
or offering support to the victim.
💓 Recognizing, Breaking, and Healing from a Traumatic Bond
Why Victims Struggle to Leave Emotionally Abusive Relationships
One of the most difficult aspects of traumatic
bonding is that victims often struggle to leave the relationship, even when
they recognize the emotional harm they are suffering. The bond formed between the
victim and the abuser is deeply rooted in emotional dependency, making it
incredibly difficult to break free. Fear, guilt, and shame all play significant
roles in this struggle. Victims may feel that they are unworthy of better
treatment or that they will never find love again. They may also fear the
retaliation or anger of the abuser if they attempt to leave. These emotions
make it hard for the victim to gather the strength and resolve to escape the toxic
bond.
Red Flags and Early Warning Signs of a Toxic Bond
Recognizing the early signs of traumatic bonding
can help individuals intervene before the bond deepens. Some early warning
signs include excessive jealousy, controlling behavior, emotional withdrawal
followed by affection, and threats or intimidation. A person who repeatedly
shifts between emotional extremes – from love and care to anger or cruelty – is
engaging in behaviors that can lead to traumatic bonding. Recognizing
these behaviors early can prevent further emotional harm and provide the opportunity
to seek help before the bond becomes too difficult to break.
Strategies for Breaking the Bond Formed Through Emotional Torture
Breaking free from traumatic bonding is a
gradual process that often requires professional help. Therapy, especially trauma-informed
counseling, can help the victim understand the emotional manipulation at play
and begin to rebuild their sense of self. Support groups and community networks
can also provide validation and safety. In addition, practical strategies such
as setting firm boundaries, learning to identify emotional manipulation, and
gaining the confidence to leave can help in the recovery process. A strong
support system is crucial to help the victim recognize the emotional damage and
regain their independence.
The Role of Therapy and Support Systems in Recovery
Therapy plays an essential role in healing from traumatic
bonding. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other trauma-focused
therapies can help individuals confront the negative thought patterns and
beliefs that keep them trapped in a toxic bond. Support systems, such as
friends, family, and support groups, are also critical in the recovery process.
These individuals provide emotional safety and help the victim regain a sense
of autonomy and control over their life. The road to recovery is challenging,
but with professional guidance and a supportive network, individuals can break
free from traumatic bonding and rebuild their lives.
Steps Toward Rebuilding Self-Identity After a Traumatic Bond
The healing process from traumatic bonding
involves regaining a sense of self. Victims often lose their identity within
the relationship, suppressing their own needs, desires, and values to
accommodate the abuser. Rebuilding self-identity involves reconnecting with
one's own interests, values, and desires. It also requires recognizing and
addressing the emotional scars left by the abusive relationship. This process
can be facilitated by therapy, journaling, and engaging in activities that
promote self-care and self-love. Rebuilding one's life and self-worth after traumatic
bonding requires patience, self-compassion, and time.
💓 Related Concepts and Overlapping Conditions
Stockholm Syndrome and Its Relationship to Traumatic Bonding
Stockholm Syndrome is a psychological
phenomenon where hostages develop positive feelings or empathy toward their
captors. This can be seen as a form of traumatic bonding, as the victim
forms an emotional connection with the abuser despite being subjected to harm.
In both cases, the victim perceives the abuser as a source of survival or
protection, and the abuser exploits this attachment to maintain control over
the victim. While Stockholm Syndrome is most often associated with
kidnapping, the dynamics are very similar to those seen in traumatic bonding
within abusive relationships.
Attachment Disorders and Their Role in Repetitive Toxic Patterns
Attachment disorders, such as anxious or disorganized
attachment, can increase the likelihood of developing traumatic bonds.
Individuals with insecure attachment styles may be more prone to seeking out
relationships that mirror the emotional neglect or abuse they experienced in
childhood. These disorders create a distorted view of love and attachment,
making it more difficult to recognize toxic bonds when they form.
Healing from attachment disorders often requires therapy and the development of
healthier relationship patterns.
Misconceptions About Love That Enable Harmful Bonds
Many misconceptions about love enable traumatic
bonding to take root. Common beliefs, such as “love conquers all,” “true
love involves sacrifice,” or “if they really loved me, they would change,” can
lead individuals to accept abusive behavior as part of the relationship. These
false beliefs prevent the victim from recognizing that true love is based on
mutual respect, trust, and care. Challenging these misconceptions is a critical
step in breaking free from a traumatic bond.
The Thin Line Between Obsession, Passion, and Pathological Attachment
There is often a fine line between obsession, passion,
and traumatic bonding. Obsession in relationships can begin as a feeling
of intense passion but can quickly turn pathological, leading to controlling
behavior, jealousy, and emotional manipulation. The emotional highs of passion
can mimic the intensity of traumatic bonding, making it difficult for
the victim to distinguish between genuine love and harmful attachment.
Recognizing the difference between healthy passion and obsession is crucial in
avoiding or breaking free from toxic bonds.
💓 Breaking Free from Traumatic Bonding
In conclusion, traumatic bonding represents a deeply complex and harmful emotional attachment formed in abusive relationships. Whether it occurs in romantic, familial, or professional settings, this toxic connection can make it incredibly difficult for victims to recognize the abuse or break free from the cycle. The psychological and emotional dynamics that sustain traumatic bonds such as fear, guilt, confusion, and manipulation create a powerful force that traps individuals in a perpetual state of emotional dependency.
However, understanding the roots of traumatic bonding is the first step toward recovery. Recognizing the signs, seeking support, and breaking free from the manipulative patterns are crucial in reclaiming one's emotional well-being. Through therapy, education, and building a strong support system, individuals can heal from the wounds of traumatic attachment and rebuild their sense of self-worth. By addressing the misconceptions surrounding love, attachment, and loyalty, victims can gradually learn to form healthier relationships that are based on respect, trust, and mutual care.
Ultimately, breaking the cycle of traumatic bonding is not an easy journey, but it is one that offers hope and the possibility of a life free from emotional abuse. With the right support and a commitment to healing, individuals can escape the grip of toxic attachments and create healthier, more fulfilling relationships moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
➽ What is Traumatic Bonding?
Traumatic bonding refers to the
emotional connection that forms between a victim and their abuser in an abusive
relationship. This bond, often stronger than healthy attachment, leads the
victim to feel emotionally dependent on the abuser, even as the relationship
becomes harmful. Despite experiencing abuse, the victim may feel a deep
emotional connection and struggle to break free from the cycle.
➽ How is Traumatic Bonding different from a healthy relationship?
In a healthy relationship, both parties provide
support, care, and respect, with emotional needs being met in a balanced and
reciprocal way. Traumatic bonding, on the other hand, involves cycles of
abuse and reconciliation, where affection and harm are intertwined, creating
confusion and emotional dependency. The victim may feel love, but the
relationship is unhealthy, marked by manipulation, control, and emotional
torment.
➽ What causes Traumatic Bonding to develop?
Traumatic bonding is often rooted in the
emotional manipulation that victims endure over time. The abuser may create
intermittent positive experiences (e.g., love-bombing, affection) in between
cycles of abuse, reinforcing the victim's emotional attachment. Psychological
factors, such as low self-esteem, unresolved childhood trauma, or codependency,
can also contribute to the formation of toxic bonds.
➽ Can Traumatic Bonding occur in non-romantic relationships?
Yes, traumatic bonding can occur in various
types of relationships, including those between parents and children, siblings,
colleagues, or even between individuals and authority figures. In these cases,
the emotional attachment may form based on power imbalances, manipulation, or
emotional control, leading the victim to remain attached to the abuser despite
the harm inflicted.
How do I recognize if I'm in a Traumatic Bond?
Signs of traumatic bonding include emotional
confusion, constant reconciliation after abuse, feeling overly responsible for
the abuser's emotions, and minimizing the abuse. Victims often feel trapped in
the relationship, unable to leave even when they know it's harmful. A strong
feeling of dependence on the abuser, despite the abuse, is a hallmark of toxic
attachment.
➽ Why do victims of Traumatic Bonding struggle to leave their abusers?
Victims of traumatic bonding often struggle to
leave because of emotional manipulation, fear of retaliation, guilt, or shame.
The emotional highs and lows of the relationship, combined with intermittent
affection or love from the abuser, make it difficult for the victim to break
free. Additionally, deep feelings of dependency and a distorted view of love
may lead the victim to believe that they cannot survive without the abuser.
➽ What is the difference between Traumatic Bonding and Stockholm Syndrome?
Both traumatic bonding and Stockholm
Syndrome involve an emotional connection with the abuser, but Stockholm
Syndrome is typically associated with hostage situations, where the victim
bonds with their captor after being subjected to harm. Traumatic bonding,
on the other hand, usually occurs in ongoing abusive relationships, where
emotional manipulation and abuse are part of a cycle. Despite the differences,
both involve victims developing an emotional attachment to their abuser, even
as the relationship remains harmful.
➽ How can I break free from a Traumatic Bond?
Breaking free from a traumatic bond involves
recognizing the manipulation and control in the relationship and seeking
professional help, such as therapy or counseling. Support systems, such as
friends, family, and support groups, are crucial in helping victims gain the
strength to leave. Establishing clear boundaries, practicing self-care, and
gradually rebuilding one's sense of self-worth are important steps in
recovering from toxic attachments.
➽ Can therapy help heal Traumatic Bonding?
Yes, therapy is an essential tool in healing from traumatic
bonding. Trauma-informed therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), can help victims identify and
change the negative thought patterns that keep them in toxic bonds.
Therapy can also provide emotional support and teach coping strategies to
rebuild self-identity and self-worth, empowering individuals to break free from
the cycle of emotional abuse.
➽ What are the long-term effects of Traumatic Bonding?
The long-term effects of traumatic bonding can
include emotional and psychological scars, such as anxiety, depression, low
self-esteem, and difficulty forming healthy relationships in the future.
Victims may also experience confusion regarding their sense of self and a
distorted view of love. Healing from toxic attachment takes time, but
with the right support and resources, victims can recover and rebuild their
lives.
➽ Can Traumatic Bonding happen in online relationships?
Yes, traumatic bonding can occur in online relationships, especially in cases where emotional manipulation and control are present. The dynamics of online abuse often involve love-bombing, digital gaslighting, and other forms of psychological control, leading the victim to feel emotionally attached to the abuser despite the harm. These relationships can be just as damaging as those in person, and the cycle of abuse can be difficult to break without intervention.
Tags:( Related searches on google )
