I'm speaking specifically about a verbally abusive boss and not one who is physically abusive. If I had to deal with a physically abusive boss, I wouldn't be working there anymore and I'd be consulting a lawyer.



If your boss uses abusive language, the first thing I'd try to determine is whether they use it against just you or against others in the office. In other words, is it a problem that only you face or have you witnessed your boss doing it to others as well? Determining this might help you to see if you're in this alone or if there are others experiencing the same treatment.

If others in your office experience this behavior, do they also consider it to be abusive? In other words, might it be open to interpretation or is it definitely "abusive" in the eyes of any reasonable person?

Your first step could be to politely ask your boss in private to refrain from using the specific language that is offending you. Be prepared to give your boss specifics if they ask since they might not even be aware of it especially if they put any of it into writing ie. in their emails to you.

If this doesn't help and if you have an HR department you might consider speaking with them although you do run the risk of making it look like you went over your boss's head which probably won't help. If you have a union or other professional representation, you should also consider consulting with them too of course.

You might consider printing and retaining a hard copy of any emails or other written proof that document any verbal abuse, too. It may come in handy down the line should you require proof.

In the first instance, remain professional and calm if you choose to speak directly with your boss about it.