The following are sure signs of an emotionally abusive relationship:
1. Insults: the partner humiliates the other in private and in public.
2. Control: the partner controls every aspect of the other’s life making them lose independence and freedom.
3. Belittling and Demoralising: The partner belittles accomplishments and dashes the other’s hopes and dreams.
4. Punishment/Retribution: The partner punishes the other for inadvertent mistakes.
5. Manipulation: The partner tries to deceive and dominate the other.
6. Isolation: The partner attempts to isolate from the other from  circle of friends and family.
http://divorcedmoms.com/articles/a-silent-killer-8-signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship