[header] How to deal with an abusive teacher [title] Recognize what verbal abuse is. [step] Some people may find it hard to define what verbal abuse is and will often dismiss harsh words as a form of tough love or as a strict teaching method. In some cases, people even give excuses as to why verbal abuse is acceptable. 
For example, verbally abusive teachers might blame a student's bad behaviour, attitude, or ineptitude to justify verbal abuse. Some examples of verbal abuse include : [substeps] Belittling.