In migrant communities there are additional barriers which can impact on how the abuse is experienced.
Experts stress the need to understand the culture in order to provide support for victims of emotional abuse.
Though emotional abuse doesnt leave physical scars, it can have huge impact on victims confidence and self-esteem .
Emotional abuse can cover a wide range of behaviours or actions aimed at intimidating, controlling, isolating or manipulating a person.
Monique Toohey is a psychologist and she says emotional abuse is insidious because it is largely invisible.
Joumanah El Matrah, is the CEO of Australian Muslim Womens Centre for Human Rights.
She says that the added problem in migrant communities is the lack of understanding of the support services and interventions available to women.
She stresses the need to understand the culture in order to provide support for victims of emotional abuse.
Psychologist Monique Toohey says emotional abuse can leave a person feeling depressed, anxious and even suicidal.
She says it can take some time to recognise emotional abuse, but she recommends seeking help from trusted people.
Relationships Australia Victorias Senior Manager for Practice Development Emily McDonald says that Relationships Australia offers a number of counselling models for individuals as well as for couples.
The Department of Human Services lists emotional abuse as a form of family and domestic violence. If a person needs to leave a situation affected by family or domestic violence support systems may include social work counselling and Centrelink assistance.
