The Oprah Winfrey Show

Oprah Investigates:
Emotionally Tortured Wives


Start VideoStop Video
Video: Play 30 second video
Watch Order Tape/Transcript Watch Watch After the Show

We put our cameras inside their home. The name calling…the yelling—emotional torture. Does this sound like your house? For millions of women, this happens every single day. We're blowing the lid off the best-kept secret in America.



Chris used to emotionally abuse Loretta.
View gallery
Verbal and Emotional Abuse
The nasty name calling, the degrading insults, the threats. These husbands don't punch or hit, but their words sting just as much. Wives speak out.

Millionairesse cleans the toilet in a wife swap experiment.
From O, The Oprah Magazine
How to spot an abuser …and get out safely. Learn the red flags of abusive behavior.

Get Support From Others
Whether you suffer from physical or verbal abuse, reach out for help. Join the discussion.


Related Resources

Not to People Like Us: Hidden Abuse in Upscale Marriages by Susan Weitzman
The Weitzman Center offers information to victims of domestic violence in upper-class families. For more information and for a Care Kit, which describes emotional abuse and offers tips on how to find help, visit www.theweitzmancenter.org.
Are you suffering from emotional abuse? To take a test, visit www.nottopeoplelikeus.com
The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers crisis intervention and provides information and referrals for victims of domestic violence. If you believe you need help, call the hotline at (800) 799-SAFE or (800) 787-3224 TTY, or visit www.ndvh.org.
The Verbally Abusive Relationship: How to Recognize it and How to Respond by Patricia Evans. For more information, visit www.verbalabuse.com.

TALK WITH OTHERS
Are you in an abusive or controlling relationship, or know someone who is? Share your story and find support.

RELATED LINKS
Dr. Phil on when to call it quits
Save yourself from verbal abuse
Signs of verbal abuse

Play Video Stop Video