what aspect of child abuse could this situation count as?

Yeah that's mental abuse and its torture to live with someone like that. And when the children get older they might end up being so desperate to find some sort of happiness that they'll end up doing drugs or who knows what just for a minute of being able to forget their pain and confusion. And THEN they might end up in prison for doing something stupid while they were messed up that they never meant to do. Who knows what all kind of unhappy things will follow a life like that. If this is you that you're talking about and if you're able to... even if your mama doesn't get out of this situation you should try to. See if you can talk to your mama and tell her how miserable you are and beg her to leave him. If she doesn't then ask her if you can go live with someone in your family. You really need to get away from this person and have a good life. I lived with someone SORT OF LIKE THAT and it was horrible. It tore my child apart and even though I left him it took me too long to leave and it damaged my family. Thank God my family is ok now... but it was only after years of suffering and trying to get past the damage that man did. Plead with your mama from the bottom of your heart for her to either leave him or let you leave him. Protect yourself from his sicknesses. This is your life. If this isn't about YOU then show this letter to whoever it's about. I hope it helps. There has to be a grand parent or aunt or someone who would let you (or whoever you're talking about) live with them IF THEY KNEW what's happening. I'm sure they love you (or whoever it is you're talking about).

Mental and emotional abuse, they should get out of there before its too late

Physical and mental abuse.