Childhood Abuse

In my opinion the use of the word "abuse", or "childhood abuse", is a form of "gaslighting."  It sounds so gentle and smooth and inconsequential, like a quiet misunderstanding. I prefer words like "beating", "whipping", "spanking", "paddling", "hitting", "humiliating", "terrifying", and "soul crushing hatred" -- These words more adequately describe the experience of "childhood abuse" and it is quite likely that you have no understanding whatsoever and prefer not to think about it. The clinical use of the word "abuse" itself is "abusive" because it negates and minimizes that actual horror and extreme bitterness of the real experience.

from the dictionary:

gas·light

ˈɡaslīt'

1. manipulate (someone) by psychological means into questioning their own sanity.

copyright (c) 2018 
William Schaeffer