Types of Abuse
Physical
Involves the use of any physical act in order to harm, frighten, and gain control over another person. Common examples include: slapping, pushing, kicking, strangling, throwing objects, pinching, spitting, pulling hair, restraining, punching, breaking bones, abandoning in an unsafe place, using an object or weapon, and murder.
Emotional
Refers to attacking someone's self-worth and self-esteem. Examples include name-calling, put-downs, constant criticisms, and humiliation in private or public.
Sexual
Involves any forced sexual contact, whether by coercion (psychological force), physical force, threats or ignoring the other person's rights and requests. Examples include unwanted sexual commentary or gestures, touching, forcing partner to commit any sexual act against his/her will, engaging in sexual acts when partner is impaired, or unable to say no for whatever reason.
Economic/Financial
Involves control of finances to include denying access to family assets, forcing a partner to account for all the money he/she spends, taking money, preventing a partner from getting or keeping a job or going to school.
Psychological
Refers to attacking someone's self-worth and self-esteem. The attack is on the whole person. Examples include threats to harm partner or other family members, monitoring (stalking), isolation, interrupting eating/sleep patterns, degradation, humiliation, objectification, breaking down one's belief system, destruction of property and pets, and controlling with fear.
Legal
includes dragging out legal/custody proceedings, refusing to pay support or alimony, withholding assets, and fighting for custody solely to maintain control over the victim’s whereabouts.