Does your partner humiliate or beat you? Find out when abuse in a relationship is a criminal offence

Is there a definition of psychological abuse in a relationship?

The Criminal Code does not directly define what domestic violence is. Psychological abuse is a form of violence in which the aggressor in the relationship does not use physical force, but rather words, manipulation and psychological techniques to control their partner. This type of abuse can be difficult to detect because it leaves no visible marks on the body. The intensity of the violent incidents escalates and leads to the victim no longer being able to prevent them from occurring in time.

On the other hand, a single incident or dispute, quarrels between partners and exchanges that end up as so-called Italian domestic violence cannot be considered as domestic violence.

What are the signs of psychological violence

1. Humiliation in a relationship: Your partner constantly criticises you, belittles your abilities or ridicules you in front of others.
2. Manipulation and control: The aggressor in the relationship demands that you constantly confess to him or her, limits your social contacts, whether with family, friends or even work colleagues, or forces you to obey through threats.
3. Threats and intimidation: your partner may threaten you with a break-up, blackmail you with money or intimidate you with physical violence.
4. Psychological games: For example, gaslighting, where the aggressor in the relationship denies your feelings or convinces you that all problems are your fault anyway.

Psychological abuse can have a devastating impact on the victim’s psyche. Long-term humiliation in a relationship and aggressive behaviour by a partner often leads to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and feelings of powerlessness.

What does the law say about partner abuse?

In terms of Czech law, psychological abuse can be considered a form of domestic violence. This is regulated in several legal provisions, in particular in the Criminal Code.

• Abuse of a cohabitant (§ 199 of the Criminal Code): Psychological abuse can be classified as a criminal offence if the victim is subjected to long-term physical or psychological abuse. The penalties for these cases range from 6 months to 12 years’ imprisonment, depending on the severity of the case.
• Dangerous threats (§ 353 of the Penal Code): If a partner acts as the aggressor in a relationship and starts threatening his/her victim with violence or other harm, he/she can be prosecuted. The penalty can then be up to 3 years imprisonment, depending on the severity of the case.

The victim has the right, as part of protective measures, to ask the court to evict the aggressor from the relationship or to issue a restraining order. “The evicted person is obliged to leave the common dwelling immediately and hand over the keys to the common dwelling to the police. Prior to that, he/she shall be allowed to take from the common dwelling, in the presence of the police, only items serving his/her personal needs, personal valuables and documents. The police shall provide the evicted person with information on accommodation options in the place in question or shall allow him/her to arrange accommodation by telephone from the police station. Police officers shall instruct the evicted person on his/her rights and obligations. Within 24 hours, the evicted person is then entitled to collect other personal belongings or items necessary for business or professional activities with the assistance of the police,” the Ministry of the Interior states.

Psychological abuse in a relationship can also be a significant reason for divorce. In divorce proceedings, the court also takes into account whether the victim has provided evidence of violence, such as testimony, records of communications or reports from professionals.

The Supreme Court states: The term “cruelty” to persons is to be understood as such conduct of the perpetrator which is characterized by ill-treatment either of a close person or of another person with whom the perpetrator lives in a shared apartment or house, and at the same time is characterized by a certain degree of permanence and reaches such intensity as to be capable of inducing a condition which is felt by the affected person as a severe hardship, or psychological or even physical distress.

How do you know if you are a victim of psychological abuse in a relationship?

Experiencing physical or psychological abuse in a relationship is one thing. But admitting it is another. It is usually very difficult for victims to acknowledge that what is happening in their home really goes beyond the boundaries of normal cohabitation. The aggressor in a relationship often uses very subtle methods to confuse his victim and make him doubt himself.

Here are some signs that you may be in a toxic relationship:

• You constantly feel like you have to apologize for things you didn’t do.
• Your partner isolates you from friends or family and tries to keep you dependent on him or her.
• You begin to doubt your worth or abilities because of your partner.
• You feel fear when your partner is angry, or you constantly anticipate their reactions to avoid conflict.

Psychological abuse often starts subtly, for example, with minor reproaches or demands for control. If you notice the following warning signs, be on the lookout. It’s not normal for a partner to try to control who you spend time with or forbid certain activities. Nor is it normal for him or her to repeatedly humiliate you or make you feel inferior. If you feel that you have to hide your true opinions to avoid conflict, something is also wrong. Prevention is all about setting healthy boundaries and seeking help early.

What does it look like in practice?

Our client, let’s call her Hanka, lived with a partner who constantly humiliated her. She repeatedly heard phrases like, “You’re nothing without me.” or “Who would want a nobody like you?” When she tried to leave, he threatened to ruin her financially and make sure she never saw her children again. She put up with his manipulation for a long time before she contacted our law firm.

Together, we filed criminal charges against her partner. The court ordered her to evict her partner from the apartment and a restraining order. Thanks to the legal help, Hanka got the support she needed, eventually got a divorce and started to live a completely new life without her aggressor.

As a victim of relationship abuse, where can you seek help?

When you find yourself in a situation that you can no longer deal with on your own, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are several protection options for victims of domestic violence in the Czech Republic. For example, you can use one of the following options:

• Crisis lines and centres: For example, the 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence provides anonymous and immediate help.
• Legal representation.
• Psychological support: With professional help, you can process the trauma and gain the strength to start again.

Summary

Psychological abuse in a relationship is not something you should tolerate. Even if the traces are invisible, the consequences can be devastating. You have the right to protection and justice. If you feel you are a victim of psychological abuse, do not hesitate to seek help from professionals or lawyers. The first step is often the most difficult, but also the most important.