Types of Abuse
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in a dating or domestic relationship. This abuse can be physical, sexual, verbal or emotional, or a combination of some or all of these.
Physical Abuse-any intentional contact with the victim's body by either the abuser or an object within the abuser's control. Physical abuse does not have to leave a mark or bruise. It doesn't even need to hurt. It includes:
- scratching
- punching
- biting
- kicking
- throwing something at you
- pulling hair
- choking
- pushing
- using a weapon
- shoving
Sexual Abuse-any sexual behavior that is unwanted or interferes with the victim's right to say "no" to sexual advances. It includes:- rape
- unwanted kissing or touching
- forcing the victim to go further than they want (even if they have had sex before)
- unwanted rough or violent sexual activity
- not letting the victim use birth control or protection against sexually transmitted diseases
Verbal or Emotional Abuse-anything that the abuser says or does to the victim that causes the victim to be afraid, lowers the victim's self esteem, or manipulates or controls the victim's feelings or behavior. It includes:- name-calling and put-downs
- yelling and screaming
- intentionally embarrassing the victim in front of other people
- keeping the victim from seeing or talking with friends and family
- telling the victim what to do
- using online communities or cell phones to control, intimidate, or humiliate the victim
- making the victim feel responsible for the violence
- stalking
- threatening to commit suicide in order to manipulate the victim
- threats of violence and harm, or to expose the victim's secrets (such as sexual orientation or immigration status), or to take away the victim's children
www.breakthecycle.org
www.thesafespace.org
