About
Meet Patricia Evans
over 34 years
of experience.
This is the official Verbal Abuse information site, featuring Patricia Evans, an internationally recognized Interpersonal Communications Specialist and author of the first book about Verbal Abuse. Drawing upon research of more than 30,000 cases of verbally abusive relationships, she has delivered hundreds of keynote addresses throughout the country. Founder of the Evans Interpersonal Communications Institute, where she has offered workshops and training programs, Patricia Evans single-handedly brought the subject of verbal abuse to the forefront of American consciousness.
Newsweek commended her first powerful book on the subject, The Verbally Abusive Relationship: How to Recognize it and How to Respond (1992). Expanded edition (1996), as “A groundbreaking new book.” Click to learn more with links to buy on Amazon. Her books are available throughout the US, Canada, England, Mexico, Germany, France and in the Chinese Language.
faq
What is verbal abuse?
Verbal abuse creates emotional pain and mental anguish. It is a lie told to you or about you. Generally, verbal abuse defines people, telling them what they are, what they think, their motives, and so forth. The best way to deal with a verbally abusive relationship, whether you are the target of verbal abuse or the perpetrator, is to find out everything you can about verbally abusive relationships and their dynamics. Usually one person is blaming, accusing, even name calling, and the other is defending and explaining.
How can I learn more and get help?
There is a lot of information on this site. Please don’t miss the links above and throughout the site. As you find out about verbal abuse, you can find out what is ‘wrong’ with people who are verbally abusive, and what you might do about it.
I hope that if you suspect verbal abuse in your relationship, that you will read all five of my books. Each is a part of the picture.
What are some signs of verbal abuse?
Since the target of verbal abuse is often blamed, ignored, or yelled at, s/he may have difficulty recognizing just what is going on in the relationship. Most people targeted by verbal abuse try to explain to the abuser why what they’ve just heard is not true or not okay. They explain themselves because they believe the perpetrator is rational and can hear them and the relationship will then get better. Then they usually hear more verbal abuse, for instance, “You’re too sensitive.” At that point they don’t usually realize that they have just been defined, and, therefore, verbally abused again.
Since the target of verbal abuse is often blamed, ignored, or yelled at, s/he may have difficulty recognizing just what is going on in the relationship.
News and Events
Recommended Book: Understanding Attachment Injuries in Children
“This is one of the best books I have ever read.” ~ Patricia Evans, Author
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Workshops Are Paused for Health Safety
Workshops are on hold at this time, while the Coronavirus pandemic is active.
Read MoreGain clarity with just one book. I promise you that.
Peer Acknowledgments
Newsweek
Newsweek declared, The Verbally Abusive Relationship: How to Recognize it and How to Respond , -"A groundbreaking new book."
David L. Quinby, Professor Emeritus
Human kind urgently needs this, both on an individual and a collective level. Nothing else ... 
Workshop for Therapists
360 professionals attended and 99% said, "Yes, we would recommend this training to our colleagues!" 
SF Examiner Book Review
"Riveting" ~ Keay Davidson, San Francisco Examiner 
Dr. Richard Jamison
"Enlightening" Dr. Richard Jamison, Director, Productivity Enhancement, Rutherford NJ 
Psychological Resource Center
"Powerful and Life-changing" Don Adams, President, Psychological Resource Center, Cary NC Hope Counseling
"Excellent" Antoinette Michaels, Hope Counseling, Sayville NY Let's Connect
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Thank you for exploring this site and we wish you every success in your relationships.
