Types of Abuse
Intimate partner violence can occur in many different forms. Regardless of whether it is physical, emotional or takes some other form, abuse often follows an escalating pattern in which the controlling behaviors worsen over time.
Physical Abuse
Perhaps the most recognized form, physical abuse may include behaviors such as:
- Hitting, slapping, punching, kicking
- Burning
- Strangulation
- Damaging personal property
- Refusing medical care and/or controlling medication
- Coercing partner into substance abuse
- Use of weapons
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse occurs when an intimate partner seeks to control their loved one by:
- Name calling, insulting
- Blaming the partner for everything
- Extreme jealousy
- Intimidation
- Shaming, humiliating
- Isolation
- Controlling what the partner does and where the partner goes
- Stalking
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is not about sex. It is about power, and includes any sexual behavior performed without a partner’s consent. Examples include:
- Forcing a partner to have sex with other people (human trafficking)
- Pursuing sexual activity when the victim is not fully conscious or is afraid to say no
- Hurting partner physically during sex
- Coercing partner to have sex without protection / sabotaging birth control
Technological Abuse
This form of abuse includes the use of technology to control and stalk a partner. Technological abuse can happen to people of all ages, but it is more common among teenagers who use technology and social media to interact in a manner often unmonitored by adults. Examples include:
- Hacking into a partner’s email and personal accounts
- Using tracking devices in a partner’s cell phone to monitor their location, phone calls and messages
- Monitoring interactions via social media
- Demanding to know partner’s passwords
Financial Abuse
Any behavior that maintains power and control over finances constitutes financial abuse. Examples include:
- Inflicting physical harm or injury that would prevent the person from attending work
- Harassing partner at their workplace
- Controlling financial assets and effectively putting partner on an allowance
- Damaging a partner’s credit score
Abusive Partners May
- Intentionally share their partner's personal information without consent
- Question or invalidate a partner’s identity or use their partner’s sexual history against them
- Belittle their partner’s appearance
- Control their partner’s access to medication or medical care
- Isolate their partner by refusing to allow them to spend time with family or friends
- Destroy personal documentation
- Threaten to have partner deported if they seek help
Feeling Unsafe in Your Relationship?
Learn more about the resources available and how to get help.
