Verbal violence and its psychological and social dimensions in intimate and familial relationships

Abstract

Aims

The present exploratory article sought to analyze experiences of women subjected to verbal abuse in intimate and familial relationships within the Palestinian context.

Methods

The study involved thirty women who sought legal consultation at the law clinic of An-Najah National University. The participants’ ages ranged from 23 to 53 years (mean age = 29.41 years, SD = 13.10).

Results

Thematic content analysis of the interview transcripts led to the identification of five main themes: (1), verbal abuse in marital relationships (2), weaponization of public shaming (3), verbal aggression toward children (4), psychological consequences of verbal violence (5), cultural and social reinforcement of verbal abuse (6), resistance and coping mechanisms (7), resistance through criticism of men.

Conclusions

Addressing both the structural and cultural dimensions of verbal violence within the Palestinian context is essential. Interventions can help create safer environments for victims and promote resilience. This study acts as a compelling call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change to tackle the root causes of verbal violence and provide support to those affected by it.

Introduction

Verbal violence, while less visible than physical abuse, is increasingly recognized for its psychological and emotional consequences. It is often dismissed as a mere "bad habit" or an impulsive expression of anger, minimizing its severity and the damage it causes [1, 11]. This form of abuse, however, operates through insidious mechanisms such as insults, humiliation, mockery, and threats, all of which aim to undermine the victim’s sense of self-worth and maintain control over them [9, 17]. Unlike physical violence, verbal abuse leaves no visible scars, which makes it easier for society to downplay its impact. Yet, its emotional and psychological effects are equally, if not more, damaging, as victims often internalize the abuse, leading to long-term mental health challenges [12]. Verbal violence not only erodes individuals’ sense of security and self-esteem but also disrupts their ability to engage in healthy interpersonal relationships, perpetuating a cycle of emotional harm.

One of the complexities of studying verbal violence lies in the lack of a clear and universally accepted definition, which often leads to confusion with related concepts such as verbal aggression and verbal abuse. Researchers identify verbal violence as encompassing behaviors such as yelling, swearing, and insults that aim to degrade or diminish another person’s self-concept [6]. Verbal aggression, by contrast, includes acts such as belittling and harsh criticism, which may not always be intended to harm but can have similar effects. Verbal abuse, on the other hand, is characterized by sustained, deliberate efforts to emotionally wound the victim through hostile and manipulative communication [4, 6]. These distinctions, while subtle, are critical to understanding the mechanisms by which verbal violence operates. It is not merely a matter of words spoken in anger,it is a calculated attempt to exert power and control over the victim, often leaving them emotionally paralyzed [6, 16].

The psychological consequences of verbal violence are long-lasting, often rivaling those of physical abuse in severity. Victims frequently report feelings of humiliation, chronic stress, and emotional helplessness, which can lead to long-term mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For example, Teicher et al. [16] found that verbal abuse during childhood can have a measurable impact on brain development, altering areas responsible for emotional regulation and stress response. Furthermore, studies have shown that individuals who experience verbal abuse in adulthood often internalize the negative messages, leading to diminished self-worth and difficulty forming healthy relationships [12]. The ripple effects of verbal violence extend beyond the individual, impacting families and communities by perpetuating cycles of emotional harm and dysfunction.

Gender is a significant factor in the prevalence and impact of verbal violence, with women disproportionately affected, especially within intimate relationships. In patriarchal societies, cultural norms often normalize or justify verbal abuse against women as part of traditional gender roles, where male authority is prioritized over female autonomy [7, 14, 15]. Women in these patriarchal societies are frequently expected to endure verbal abuse silently to preserve family honor and maintain social harmony. In Palestine, these dynamics of gender roles are further exacerbated by the intersection of patriarchal norms and the sociopolitical conflict.

The Palestinian context provides a unique lens through which to examine verbal violence, as it is shaped by overlapping cultural, social, and political forces [7]. Patriarchal norms in Palestinian society often position women as subordinate, reinforcing cycles of abuse within the family structure. At the same time, the ongoing political conflict introduces additional stressors, such as economic hardship and social instability, which exacerbate tensions within households [8]. Legal measures aimed at addressing family violence often fall short in Palestine, as they fail to account for the sociocultural and political realities that shape women’s experiences. Hamamra [5] argues that without addressing the underlying patriarchal norms and political pressures, legal interventions may inadvertently perpetuate verbal and emotional abuse.

Social support is a critical protective factor against verbal violence, offering victims a means of emotional validation and practical assistance. Women with strong social networks are more likely to recognize abuse and take steps to leave abusive relationships [10, 19]. However, in patriarchal societies, the availability and effectiveness of social support are often limited by cultural stigmas. The fear of people’s talk and the pressure to maintain family honor frequently discourage women from seeking help [7]. Furthermore, victims often adopt negative coping mechanisms, such as self-blame or misplaced empathy for their abusers, which further entrench them in abusive situations [5, 13]. These dynamics highlight the dual role of social support as both a potential lifeline and a complicated resource, as women must traverse societal expectations and personal barriers to access it.

Research indicates that verbal abuse in intimate relationships often exists alongside other forms of IPV, such as physical or emotional abuse, creating a multifaceted cycle of harm. Victims of verbal abuse within intimate relationships frequently report feelings of entrapment, as societal norms and emotional dependencies prevent them from leaving their partners [3]. Furthermore, verbal abuse often follows a cyclical pattern, with periods of apparent remorse or reconciliation masking the continuation of abuse [19]. This dynamic complicates efforts to address IPV, as victims may struggle to identify verbal violence as a legitimate form of abuse, particularly when it is normalized within their cultural context.

Methods

Participants

This study employs a qualitative research approach to investigate the experiences of women subjected to verbal abuse in intimate and familial relationships within the Palestinian context. The analysis centers on understanding how verbal violence operates as a tool for control and dehumanization, while also examining the resistance strategies women employ. The study took place in June 2024 and involved thirty women who sought legal consultation at the law clinic of An-Najah National University. The participants' ages ranged from 23 to 53 years (mean age = 29.41 years, SD = 13.10). All participants were women residing in different areas in the West Bank of Palestine. They were all sufficiently eligible and spoke Arabic to complete the research tasks. Our study was approved by the An- Najah National University Institutional Review Board (IRB) before data collection was initiated.

Instruments and procedures

This study used a qualitative research approach to investigate the experiences of women subjected to verbal abuse in intimate and familial relationships within the Palestinian context. By utilizing in-depth testimonies, the study provides a detailed and personal account of the daily experiences faced by these women. The qualitative method is particularly suited for this study as it allows for a rich, nuanced understanding of how verbal violence affect women emotionally and psychologically. The research questions were reviewed by five experts in psychology, counseling, and mental health, and modifications were made based on their feedback. The questions were specifically designed to minimize emotional distress for participants.

In this study, the researchers continually assessed whether continued data collection would provide further insights into the challenges faced by women recovering from addiction, or if the existing data had sufficiently addressed the research objectives. By conducting in-depth interviews and observations, the researchers analyzed the responses to identify recurring themes and patterns related to the experiences of these women. As the study progressed, it became clear that no new significant themes were emerging, and the challenges faced by the women had been thoroughly explored. Once the researchers concluded that additional data would not yield new information, theoretical saturation was confirmed, indicating that the data collected was comprehensive and adequately captured.

Data collection

Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with women subjected to verbal violence within the Palestinian context. The interviews were conducted in person or over the phone, depending on accessibility and security conditions. Furthermore, written testimonies provided by women who had previously shared their experiences with humanitarian organizations were also included in the data set. The interviews were conducted with informed consent, ensuring that participants were fully aware of the study’s objectives and their right to withdraw at any time. The testimonies were translated and transcribed for analysis, preserving the original wording as much as possible to maintain authenticity. The data collection focused on gathering personal narratives that provide insight into the emotional and psychological impact of verbal violence on Palestinian women. Each interview was recorded, with key themes identified and organized according to recurring issues such as verbal abuse in marital relationships and psychological consequences of verbal violence.

Data analysis

The qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews were initially in Arabic and were subsequently translated into English for analysis. The translation was carried out by authors, who are fluent in both Arabic and English and have experience in translating academic texts. To ensure the accuracy of the translation, several quality control measures were implemented. First, a sample of translated quotes was back-translated into Arabic by a bilingual researcher, and any discrepancies were discussed and resolved. Additionally, the translations were reviewed by a bilingual expert in Arabic-English translation to ensure linguistic and cultural accuracy. The research team conducted multiple rounds of review to ensure that the nuances of the original data were preserved. In terms of thematic analysis, the translated transcripts were analyzed using a process based on Braun and Clarke’s [2] framework. The researchers familiarized themselves with the data by reading the translated transcripts multiple times, followed by open coding to identify key themes. This analysis was conducted manually to support the organization of codes. Throughout the analysis, the researchers worked to ensure that the cultural and linguistic nuances of the original Arabic data were preserved in the translation and analysis process.

We identified meaningful segments of text and created initial codes inductively, based on the data itself. Following this, we grouped similar codes into broader categories, or potential themes, through an iterative process. For example, one of the main themes that emerged was "Verbal Abuse in Marital Relationships." As themes began to emerge, they were refined through multiple rounds of discussion among the research team to ensure they accurately represented the data. Themes were then finalized by revisiting the coded data to ensure coherence and alignment with participants' responses. Throughout this process, we kept detailed documentation of how codes were applied and how themes evolved, ensuring transparency and consistency.

Coding reliability

A random selection of transcripts was independently coded by the researchers to establish inter-coder reliability, with coding disagreements resolved through discussion until consensus was reached.

Results

Thematic content analysis of the interview transcripts led to the identification of seven main themes: First, Verbal Abuse in Marital Relationships. Second, Weaponization of Public Shaming. Three, Verbal Aggression Toward Children. Fourth, Psychological Consequences of Verbal Violence. Fifth, Cultural and Social Reinforcement of Verbal Abuse. Sixth, Resistance and Coping Mechanisms. Seventh, Resistance Through Criticism of Men.

Theme one: verbal abuse in marital relationships

Verbal violence in marital relationships often escalates into psychological abuse, eroding women’s self-esteem and autonomy. Many women report being subjected to repeated insults and derogatory language that reduce their sense of self-worth. One woman shared, "My husband curses at me and my family, using obscene words, and attacks me as if he has no responsibilities." These words reflect an abusive dynamic in which husbands use language to dehumanize and dominate their partners. Another woman recalled, "He constantly insults me with ugly words, and I’ve never been able to defend myself." The term "ugly words" highlights the venomous nature of these attacks, which strip women of their confidence and agency. For many, this verbal aggression affects their public and familial relationships.

The cumulative impact of verbal abuse leaves women feeling helpless and trapped. One woman noted, "The hurtful words I hear every day make me feel completely worthless." The persistent barrage of insults leads to long-term emotional harm, often manifesting as anxiety, depression, and a sense of powerlessness. Husbands frequently use phrases like "failure" and "stupid" to emphasize women’s perceived inadequacies, reinforcing their dominance in the household. Another woman explained, "Every time we argue, he reminds me that I don’t understand anything and that I’m the cause of all our problems." This language places blame on the wife, ensuring her compliance and isolation.

Women often endure this verbal abuse silently due to societal and cultural pressures. Many are discouraged from confronting their husbands, fearing escalation or public humiliation. Despite the pervasive nature of this abuse, it is frequently normalized within communities, making it difficult for women to recognize the severity of their experiences or seek help. Verbal abuse in marriages, therefore, becomes a powerful tool for control, with its effects rippling through women’s lives and relationships.

Theme two: weaponization of public shaming

Public shaming is a frequent extension of verbal violence, where husbands exploit communal spaces to control their wives. This form of abuse exacerbates humiliation, as women are targeted not just privately but also in the eyes of their families and communities. One woman recounted, "My husband calls me neglectful and stingy in front of people, and I can’t defend myself." The use of terms like "neglectful" and "stingy" illustrates the calculated effort to tarnish a woman’s reputation, amplifying her sense of vulnerability. Another woman described, "He shames me in front of my family, saying I don’t know how to manage my household." The phrase "shames me in front of my family" reveals how public verbal abuse can isolate women by undermining their social standing.

The consequences of public shaming leave women to grapple with lasting feelings of disgrace and alienation. One woman shared, "After every time he says something about me in public, I can’t lift my head." The societal judgment that follows such incidents magnifies the psychological toll, making women feel perpetually watched and judged. Another noted, "He threatens to reveal my secrets if I tell anyone about our problems." The threat of exposing personal details ensures compliance, silencing women who might otherwise seek support or advocate for themselves.

Cultural expectations often compound the effects of public shaming, as women are pressured to protect their families’ reputations even at the cost of their dignity. One woman explained, "He tells me I have to endure it so I don’t put my family in an embarrassing position." This burden reinforces women’s silence, allowing the cycle of abuse to persist. By weaponizing public perception, husbands not only assert dominance but also ensure their wives remain trapped in relationships where their autonomy is severely compromised.

Theme three: verbal aggression toward children

Verbal violence within families often extends to children, creating an environment of fear and insecurity. Many mothers describe how their husbands’ aggression spills over, targeting children with hurtful language and threats. One mother shared, "My husband uses obscene words to insult the kids and threatens to kick all of us out of the house." The combination of abusive language and eviction threats highlights the hostile environment in which children grow up. Another mother explained, "The kids have started fearing him because he constantly yells and threatens them with being thrown out." The constant yelling and intimidation create a toxic atmosphere, leaving children emotionally vulnerable.

Such verbal aggression damages children’s self-esteem and sense of safety. One woman noted, "My husband calls the kids stupid and says they’re useless." These phrases diminish their confidence and reinforce feelings of inadequacy. Another described, "When he yells at the kids, I feel they start to act out of fear and lose all confidence in themselves." This fear-based upbringing often results in long-term emotional and psychological challenges, including anxiety and difficulty forming healthy relationships.

The intergenerational nature of verbal violence perpetuates harmful cycles within families. One mother observed, "I’ve started to notice my kids using the same hurtful words they hear from their father against each other." This replication of abusive behavior among siblings highlights how verbal violence becomes ingrained in family dynamics. Mothers often feel powerless to protect their children, as any intervention risks escalating the aggression.

Theme four: psychological consequences of verbal violence

The psychological toll of verbal abuse is profound, with many women describing feelings of despair, worthlessness, and isolation. One woman shared, "I feel like I have no value because of the hurtful words he constantly says to me." The phrase "hurtful words" reflects the emotional damage inflicted by relentless verbal attacks. Another noted, "Every hurtful word he says to me increases my feelings of failure and psychological exhaustion." These words illustrate how verbal violence erodes self-confidence, leaving women with a pervasive sense of inadequacy.

Long-term exposure to verbal abuse often leads to mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness. One woman explained, "The words he says affect every part of my life. I’ve lost all my energy to talk or defend myself." This highlights how verbal violence drains victims’ emotional and psychological energy, rendering them incapable of seeking help or asserting their rights. Another woman stated, "Every time he insults me, I feel like I’m collapsing, and no one hears me." The imagery of "collapse" reflects the overwhelming weight of abuse, compounded by the lack of support systems.

The psychological scars of verbal violence extend beyond individual experiences, affecting women’s ability to function in their families and communities. One woman described, "I’ve started to hate my life and feel like nothing I do matters." This sense of hopelessness not only impacts their mental health but also limits their capacity to seek change or resist the abuse. The emotional consequences of verbal violence highlight the urgent need for psychological support and systemic interventions to help women rebuild their lives.

Theme five: cultural and social reinforcement of verbal abuse

Cultural and societal norms often validate verbal violence, framing it as a natural extension of traditional gender roles. One woman observed, "Every time I demand my right to participate in discussions, he tells me I’ve strayed from my role as a respectable wife." The phrase "strayed from my role" reflects how cultural expectations are weaponized to suppress women’s voices. Another explained, "He tells me I’m deficient in intellect and that women should remain silent." The use of "deficient in intellect" underscores the deeply entrenched patriarchal attitudes that justify verbal abuse.

These societal frameworks not only normalize verbal violence but also make it difficult for women to recognize it as abuse. One woman stated, "His offensive language has become so frequent that it feels normal to me." The normalization of abusive language within households perpetuates cycles of harm, as women internalize these behaviors and accept them as inevitable. Another noted, "Even my family told me that all husbands act this way." The dismissal of verbal abuse as a common marital issue reflects the lack of awareness and support available to victims.

Cultural expectations often discourage women from challenging their husbands, reinforcing their silence and compliance. One woman shared, "Every time I try to speak up, he reminds me it’s shameful to discuss these issues in public." The association of "shameful" with addressing abuse highlights how societal values prioritize family reputation over individual well-being. These deeply ingrained cultural attitudes create significant barriers for women seeking to escape or address verbal violence, necessitating systemic and educational efforts to dismantle harmful norms.

Theme six: resistance and coping mechanisms

Despite the pervasive nature of verbal violence, many women find ways to resist and cope with the abuse. One woman shared, "Every time he says hurtful words, I confront him and tell him he must respect me." This act of confrontation, while difficult, reflects a determination to reclaim dignity and assert boundaries. Another explained, "I’ve started asking my family for help, but my husband threatens to deprive me of my children if I speak out." These dual challenges—seeking support while traversing threats—highlight the complexity of resisting abuse.

For many women, religion serves as a source of solace and strength. One woman stated, "I pray every day for God to give me the strength to endure." The act of prayer provides emotional resilience, helping women endure their circumstances. Another noted, "I pray and ask God to guide my husband and change his ways." This reliance on faith reflects a hope for change, even in situations where abuse persists.

Others turn to silence as a means of self-preservation. One woman explained, "I stay silent every time he yells at me so the situation doesn’t escalate." The decision to remain silent, while protective, often comes at the cost of internalizing the abuse. Another shared, "When he says hurtful things, I pretend not to hear." This strategy of avoidance highlights the limited options available to women traversing abusive relationships. Despite these challenges, the resilience demonstrated by women in coping with verbal violence highlights their strength and the urgent need for systemic change to support them.

Theme seven: resistance through criticism of men

Palestinian women actively resist verbal violence by criticizing their husbands, challenging the power dynamics that enable abuse. This resistance reflects their agency, even within a patriarchal system that seeks to silence them. By calling out their husbands’ behavior, women assert their dignity and refuse to internalize the insults directed at them. One woman shared, "Every time he insults me, I tell him that no man with self-respect would treat his wife this way." This criticism undermines the abuser’s authority, highlighting his failure to adhere to societal expectations of masculinity and honor.

Women often use culturally specific insults or counterarguments to expose the hypocrisy or inadequacy of their husbands’ behavior. For instance, one woman recounted, "When he called me useless, I told him that a real man doesn’t depend on his wife for everything in the house." Such statements not only push back against the abuse but also challenge traditional gender roles that place the burden of household responsibilities solely on women. Another woman explained, "I told him that if he keeps treating me like this, it shows his weakness, not mine." This reversal of the narrative shifts the focus from the woman’s perceived faults to the man’s failure to act respectfully.

Criticizing men’s verbal violence also allows women to reclaim their voices and assert their intelligence and strength. One woman stated, "He told me I’m deficient in intellect, so I asked him why he married someone who’s smarter than him." Such remarks demonstrate wit and resilience, flipping the intended insult into a moment of empowerment. Another woman shared, "When he called me a failure, I reminded him that I’m the one raising his children and managing the house while he does nothing." This resistance highlights how women use their lived realities to confront and dismantle verbal attacks.

In some cases, women resist not just by confronting their abuser but also by drawing attention to the broader societal and economic forces shaping their relationships. One woman remarked, "He blames me for everything, but I told him that if he can’t handle his stress, he should take it out on the occupation, not on me." This criticism points to the intersection of personal and political struggles, where women hold their husbands accountable for redirecting external frustrations onto their families.

By criticizing men’s verbal violence, women actively resist the systemic forces that enable it. This form of resistance, rooted in sharp observations and defiant words, demonstrates their resilience and determination to uphold their dignity. It also challenges Palestinian social norms that silence women, proving that even in oppressive environments, they find ways to assert their agency and push back against injustice.

Discussion

The psychological effects of verbal violence are well-established in the literature, with scholars emphasizing its long-lasting impact on victims’ mental health. Karni-Vizer and Walter [12] have shown that verbal abuse often leads to chronic stress, depression, and diminished self-esteem, outcomes that are reflected in the narratives of participants in this study. Many women described feelings of worthlessness and helplessness, with one participant stating, “The hurtful words I hear every day make me feel completely worthless.” This supports Teicher et al.'s [16] argument that verbal abuse not only causes emotional harm but also has physiological effects, such as altering brain regions responsible for emotional regulation. The findings further highlight how verbal violence drains victims’ emotional resilience, leaving them unable to assert their rights or seek help. This reinforces the view that verbal violence is as damaging, if not more so, than physical abuse, particularly because its effects are often internalized and invisible.

The study highlights the deeply gendered nature of verbal violence, consistent with the literature’s emphasis on how patriarchal norms perpetuate abuse. Scholars such as Panpan and Chunhua [14] have argued that cultural norms often normalize verbal violence against women, framing it as an extension of traditional gender roles. In this study, women recounted being demeaned, insulted, and silenced by their husbands, with one participant sharing, “He constantly insults me with ugly words, and I’ve never been able to defend myself.” This reflects Benson and Fuchs’ analysis of how language is weaponized to assert control over women [18]. Cultural expectations, such as preserving family honor or avoiding kalam al-nas (people’s talk), further restrict women’s ability to resist abuse, as observed in the findings. These pressures correspond to Shaloub-Kevorkian’s assertion that patriarchal societies often discourage women from challenging their abusers, thereby perpetuating cycles of violence [5].

The findings reveal public shaming as a particularly harmful form of verbal violence, one that is deeply embedded in societal and cultural norms. Public shaming intensifies the impact of verbal abuse by subjecting victims to communal judgment and humiliation. One participant shared, “My husband calls me neglectful and stingy in front of people, and I can’t defend myself.” This observation reflects Wright’s [19] assertion that public shaming exacerbates the psychological harm of verbal violence by isolating victims and undermining their social standing. The narratives in this study further illustrate the enduring effects of public shaming, including feelings of disgrace, alienation, and powerlessness. Cultural norms that prioritize family reputation over individual dignity reinforce this form of abuse, creating additional barriers for women seeking help or resisting mistreatment. These findings expand our understanding of how verbal violence transcends private spaces, manifesting in public and communal settings to perpetuate cycles of harm and control.

The intergenerational impact of verbal violence, particularly on children, emerges as a significant theme in both the findings and the literature. Teicher et al. [16] demonstrate how exposure to verbal abuse during childhood undermines emotional development and contributes to enduring psychological challenges. In this study, women recounted how their husbands’ verbal aggression also targeted their children, fostering an environment of fear and instability. One participant revealed, “My husband uses obscene words to insult the kids and threatens to kick all of us out of the house.” This observation reflects the literature’s focus on the cyclical nature of verbal violence, where children exposed to abuse often internalize and replicate such behaviors in their interactions. Another participant noted, “I’ve started to notice my kids using the same hurtful words they hear from their father against each other.” These accounts highlight the pervasive and lasting effects of verbal violence within families, emphasizing the urgency of addressing it as a collective social and familial issue rather than viewing it solely as an individual problem.

Despite the pervasive nature of verbal violence, the findings reveal women’s resilience and agency in coping with and resisting abuse. Participants described strategies ranging from direct confrontation to reliance on religion or silence as a form of self-preservation. One woman shared, “Every time he says hurtful words, I confront him and tell him he must respect me.” This reflects Palomar and Valdés’ [13] findings that social and spiritual resources play a critical role in helping victims navigate abusive environments. However, the findings also reveal the limitations of these strategies, as cultural and societal norms often constrain women’s ability to seek external help or escape abusive relationships. For instance, one participant noted, “I pray every day for God to give me the strength to endure.” This reliance on religion highlights both the emotional strength of victims and the lack of systemic support available to them. The dual challenges of resistance and endurance emphasize the urgent need for structural changes to empower women and provide meaningful support systems.

The study’s focus on the Palestinian context brings a unique dimension to the discussion of verbal violence, showing how external factors such as the Israeli occupation and economic instability exacerbate abusive dynamics within households. One participant remarked, “If he can’t handle his stress, he should take it out on the occupation, not on me.” This statement reflects the intersection of personal and political struggles, where external frustrations are redirected onto vulnerable family members. Shaloub-Kevorkian has argued that interventions addressing verbal violence must account for the broader political and social context in which these behaviors occur. The findings confirm this, showing that sociopolitical pressures intensify existing power imbalances and contribute to the normalization of verbal violence [8]. By situating verbal violence within its sociopolitical context, the study highlights the need for targeted interventions that address both immediate and systemic causes.

The findings stress the importance of addressing verbal violence through comprehensive and context-specific interventions. Educational programs aimed at challenging patriarchal norms, legal reforms to protect victims, and the development of accessible support networks are critical steps toward breaking the cycle of abuse. The study also highlights the importance of culturally sensitive approaches that consider the unique challenges faced by women in patriarchal and conflict-ridden societies like Palestine. For example, addressing the societal stigma surrounding kalam al-nas is essential for empowering women to seek help without fear of judgment or retaliation. By tackling both the structural and cultural dimensions of verbal violence, interventions can create safer environments for victims and foster resilience. The testimonies in this study serve as a powerful call to action, demonstrating the urgent need for systemic change to address the root causes of verbal violence and support those affected by it.

Limitations

This study, while offering significant insights into psychological and emotional consequences related to verbal violence directed at women in Palestine, has several limitations. The study involved only women who sought legal consultation at the law clinic of An-Najah National University, though informative, may not comprehensively represent the full extent of verbal violence, as many cases likely remain unreported due to fear or stigma. Cultural sensitivity further complicates data collection, as victims in conservative communities may underreport or omit details of their experiences, limiting a complete understanding of the psychological and social impacts. The exclusive focus on Palestine provides valuable context-specific findings but restricts their applicability to other regions with different socio-cultural or political conditions. The absence of direct engagement with perpetrators also limits the study’s ability to examine their motivations and methods comprehensively. Furthermore, the lack of a longitudinal perspective prevents a deeper understanding of the long-term consequences of verbal violence on victims and their families. The study’s qualitative focus, while rich in detail, does not offer the statistical representation needed to inform broader policy decisions. Lastly, although the research highlights the need for systemic reforms, it does not fully assess the effectiveness of existing policies and legal frameworks, leaving gaps in understanding the adequacy of current responses to these challenges. Finally, the findings of this study provide valuable insights into the patterns of verbal violence. However, a key limitation is the lack of differentiation among individuals based on socio-economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds. These factors play a crucial role in how individuals perceive and cope with violence. Without considering these variables, the generalizability of the findings is limited, and future research should incorporate these individual differences to enhance the accuracy and applicability of the conclusions drawn.

Conclusion

This research investigated the experiences of women who have endured verbal abuse in intimate and family relationships within the Palestinian context. The results indicated that participants experienced different types of violence, such as verbal mistreatment in their marriages and verbal hostility aimed at themselves and their children. Furthermore, the research emphasized that this type of violence, especially verbal mistreatment, is frequently supported by social norms. Participants also indicated considerable adverse effects on their mental health due to this mistreatment. Despite the various types of violence they faced, the women utilized a range of coping strategies—behavioral, cognitive, and other positive methods—to handle their circumstances. The research highlights the significance of tackling both structural and cultural elements that sustain verbal violence in Palestinian society. It also emphasizes the vital importance of mental health interventions in establishing safer settings and promoting resilience among survivors. To successfully reduce the negative impacts of violence, such measures must be culturally aware and combined with both global and local strategies. In other words, this research is a strong appeal for action, highlighting the pressing requirement for systemic changes to tackle the underlying issues of verbal violence and offer thorough assistance for those impacted.

Author contributions

All authors contributed equally to this work. Bilal Hamamra prepared the theoretical background and conclusion sections. Dana Bdier prepared the methodology section. Finally, Fayez Mahamid prepared the discussion and analysis sections. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Funding

No funding was received for this study.

Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

All procedures performed in this study involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the An-Najah National University Institutional Review Board (IRB), the American Psychological Association (APA, 2010), and the 2013 Helsinki Declaration. Our study was approved by the An-Najah IRB before data collection was initiated. Informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.