Learn More About Abuse
Identify what the types of abuse are and what they may look like.
What is abuse?
Abuse is the improper treatment, where someone causes harm or distress. It can be seen as usage of violence or mental pain to gain benefit. Abuse can happen anywhere, but is usually found within someone’s home. The people who commit abuse are often taking advantage of a special relationship. It can include things like mental or verbal maltreatment, injuries, assault, violations, rape, or aggression.
What are the types of abuse?
Physical
Verbal or Emotional
Cultural
Mental or Psychological
Sexual
Financial
“I think I’m going crazy.”
Mental or psychological abuse is the use of threat or verbal insults. It may also include subtle tactics to control someone’s way of thinking, like saying they are wrong about their thoughts when they aren’t. Some examples of mental abuse can include rejection or gaslighting. Rejection is the constant work of rejecting your thoughts or opinions. Gaslighting includes making you doubt your own thoughts and feelings through manipulation of the truth. Those who have suffered from mental abuse consistently feel as though they are crazy and may constantly question their sanity.
“I got creative with hiding bruises.”
Physical abuse is one of the most commonly known types of abuse. It is the intentional act of causing bodily injury or trauma to someone. It is usually done through bodily contact, such as punching, hitting, choking, shoving, or restraining someone against their will. It could even be cases in which someone feels physically unsafe, like pushing someone down or even invading personal space. Those who have been physical abused have some sort of bodily injury, even soreness that doesn’t lead to any visible bruises.
“I didn’t want it.”
Sexual abuse is another form of physical abuse that involves rape or other sexual acts. In this case, sexual abuse is the use of withholding or using sex as a way to control another. The physical aspect of sexual abuse is the use of force without consent or forcing someone to engage in a sexual act against their will. The psychological component to sexual abuse, for example, is withholding sex from your partner to gain an advantage. This is often accompanied with criticization of how someone performs sexually to lower their self esteem.
“The lies and words as weapons.”
Verbal or emotional abuse is one of the most difficult types of abuse to overcome. It is the psychological abuse that involves oral, gestured, or written language. It is the words or behaviors that are often used to manipulate, intimidate, or maintain control over someone. Some examples of verbal abuse can include harassment, humiliation, insults, silent treatments, scolding, yelling, or attempts to scare an individual. Those who have suffered from this type of abuse often have lower self esteem and confidence.
“I was told to quit my job.”
Financial abuse is the form of abuse for one to maintain control over their partner. This type of abuse usually includes eliminating someone’s ability to support themselves, so in turn they must depend on the abuser financially. Some examples of financial abuse include restricting finances and withholding money. It can also include controlling someone’s ability to acquire or use any financial resources. For instance, it can prevent you from working in order for you to depend on your abuser.
“I was belittled when I prayed.”
Cultural abuse occurs when an individual utilizes aspects of someone’s cultural identity to inflict suffering as a means for control. This can include anything from altering how someone dresses, eats, or isolating them from their cultural background. Examples of this could include depreciating beliefs, violating cultural practices, isolation from family or cultural obligations, or even racial slurs. Those who suffer from this type of abuse often feel isolated due to their cultural beliefs or practices.