Examples of Abuse

Types of Abuse

1. Physical Abuse:

  • Hitting, slapping, punching, kicking

  • Strangulation or choking

  • Using weapons or objects to cause harm

  • Denying medical care or forcing drug/alcohol use

2. Emotional Abuse:

  • Insults, name-calling, or constant criticism

  • Isolation from friends and family

  • Threatening harm to the victim or loved ones

  • Controlling or monitoring their activities

3. Psychological Abuse:

  • Intimidation through threats or destruction of property

  • Gaslighting, making the victim question their reality

  • Inducing fear through looks, actions, or gestures

  • Preventing the victim from making decisions

4. Sexual Abuse:

  • Forcing or coercing sexual acts without consent

  • Treating the victim in a sexually derogatory manner

  • Using sexual acts as a form of control

5. Financial Abuse:

  • Controlling financial resources or limiting access to money

  • Preventing the victim from working or studying

  • Stealing money or property

  • Forcing financial dependence

6. Digital Abuse:

  • Using technologies like texting and social media to bully, stalk or intimidate a partner.

  • Using your social media account without permission or demanding access to your phone.

  • Sending you unwanted sexual photos and messages or sexting you without you consenting to it first.

7. Stalking:

  • Unwanted contact through phone calls, texts, or social media

  • Sending unwelcome gifts or items

  • Showing up repeatedly at your home, school, or workplace

  • Using technology to monitor you.