Different Types of Abuse

Violence and other forms of abuse are most commonly understood as a pattern of behavior intended to establish and maintain control. It can involve control over family, intimate partners, colleagues, individuals or groups. While violent offenders are most often known to their victims (intimate or estranged partners and spouses, relatives, peers), acts of violence and abuse may also be committed by strangers. Abuse may occur only once, can involve various tactics of subtle manipulation or may occur frequently while escalating over a period of months or years. In any form, violence and abuse affects an individuals health and well-being.

Abuse is used to establish and maintain control over another person, and often reflect an imbalance of power between the victim and the abuser. There are a few distinct forms of violence and abuse: Physical Violence, Sexual Violence, Emotional Violence, Psychological Violence, and Verbal Abuse.

• Physical Violence occurs when someone uses a part of their body or an object to control a person’s actions.
• Sexual Violence occurs when a person is forced to unwillingly take part in sexual activity.
• Emotional Violence occurs when someone says or does something to make a person feel stupid or worthless.
• Psychological Violence occurs when someone uses threats and causes fear in an individual to gain control.
• Verbal Abuse occurs when someone uses language, whether spoken or written, to cause harm to an individual.

Unhealthy or abusive relationships usually get worse. It is important to know the warning signs to prevent more serious harm. If you are in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, consider making a safety plan. Chat with a peer advocate for more information. Violence is a choice, and it is preventable.

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