Abuse Types

  1. Domestic Violence
  2. Sexual Assault
  3. Child Abuse
  4. Elder Abuse
  5. Stalking
  6. Human Trafficking


BASIC INFORMATION ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE / ABUSE

Domestic violence / abuse is a pattern of behavior that seeks to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation. The perpetrators will use a pattern of abusive acts to gain compliance and control over the victim. It is directed at restricting independent thoughts and actions so that the victim will become devoted to fulfilling the needs of the perpetrator. 

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TYPES OF ABUSE

In an abusive relationship, the abuser may use a number of tactics in order to maintain power and control over his or her partner. Here are some examples:

TYPES OF ABUSE
Physical:
Spitting, scratching, biting, grabbing, shaking, shoving, pushing, restraining, twisting, throwing, slapping, punching, strangling, burning, using weapons.
Sexual: 
Coerced sex by manipulation or threat of physical force, forcing the victim into watching pornography. 
Psychological & Emotional: 
Verbal threats, suicidal threats, stalking, brandishing weapons, intimidation, criticizing the victim, insulting the victim.
Economic: 
Limiting and controlling the victim's access to resources such as money, food, clothing, not allowing the victim to work.
Legal: 
Filing for protection orders against the victim, threatening to have victim declared incompetent, falsely reporting victim to law enforcement, threatening deportation. 


WHY VICTIMS DON'T LEAVE

Here are some reasons for why a victim might stay in an abusive relationship:

REASONS FOR STAYING
Fear of what the abuser will do if the victim leaves: 
The abuser may...
Inflict more severe abuse.
Destroy the victim's belongings in the home.
Affect the victim's job or reputation at work, church, etc.
Have the victim falsely arrested or charged with a crime.
Harm children, pets, family, and/or friends.
Not allow the victim to see children or grandchildren.
Kill the victim or themself.
Lack of resources: 
The victim may not have...
Access to money for a new place for them to live.
Income due to the inability to work.
Have a safe place to go.
Any form of transportation.
Lack of support: 
The victim may...
Not have friends or family to lend emotional support due to isolation.
Be ashamed or embarrassed to turn to friends or family for help.
Be afraid of being alone and without a partner.
Fear that no one will believe him or her.
Feelings and beliefs: 
The victim may...
Feel responsible for the abusive partner's feelings, expectations, and/or reputation.
Feel love for the abuser's positive side and hope they will change.
Hold religious or social beliefs that divorce is wrong.
Hold religious or social beliefs that children should have both parents.
Hold religious or social beliefs that women must obey men.
Blame him or herself for the problems.


RESOURCES FOR VICTIMS