Healing from Social Abuse A Comprehensive Guide to Recognizing, Coping, and Moving Forward Social abuse can take many different forms, and can have a profound impact on a person's mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Whether it involves verbal or emotional abuse, manipulation, control, or isolation, the effects of social abuse can be devastating, leaving individuals feeling trapped, alone, and powerless.Fortunately, there are steps that individuals can take to protect themselves from socia