This study explores the occurrence of child emotional abuse from the perspective of six adult women who report being emotionally abused as children. The participants' experiences of emotional abuse, including the effects and techniques used to cope, heal and resolve, and their recommendations for treatment, intervention and prevention are discussed. Emotional abuse is examined through in-depth qualitative interviews which provide rich insight into the participants' experiences and evaluations about abuse. The subsequent data was analysed using a grounded theory approach. The women portrayed the occurrence and effects of emotional abuse as multi-dimensional. It occurs singularly or concurrently with other forms of abuse (physical and sexual), and is identified by a series of acts of omission and commission that occur along a continuum. The women believed that treatment should consist of both formal and informal processes over which the individual exerts control and choice. Child intervention should be conducted by professionals with expertise in the dynamics of emotional abuse, who are able to effectively identify the phenomenon, and ensure that the child is safe and protected. Community and emotional abuse professionals should also be working to provide families (not only those deemed 'high-risk') with appropriate support, social networks, and education about effective and non-abusive caregiving practices.--AUTHOR'S ABSTRACT