What is Domestic Violence?
Physical Abuse
- Direct assault on the body
- Forcing to do things against their will
- Locking the victim in/out of the house or rooms
- Any form of sexual abuse
Psychological Abuse
- Creating fear in the victim by behaving aggressively
- Throwing or destroying things
- Making direct or indirect threats
Emotional Abuse
- Constantly comparing the victim with others to undermine the victim
- Emotional blackmail or suicide threats
- Blaming the victim for all problems in the relationship
Verbal Abuse
- Screaming, shouting, name-calling, put-downs
- Swearing and continual humiliation, in private or public
- Attacks on intelligence, sexuality, body image
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual Assault
- Any type of sexual contact without consent.
- Non-consensual kissing, groping, and/or penetration.
- Coercion
- Threats: “If you don’t have sex with me, I’ll break up with you.
- Insults, humiliation, put-downs, or guilt trips. “But I thought you loved me.”
- Exploiting a power/privilege: using status/popularity, race/ethnicity, physical abilities, class, gender identity, or expression, etc..