Understanding Abuse

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..
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