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Abuse Types
BASIC INFORMATION
Domestic violence, or domestic abuse, is a pattern of behavior that seeks to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation. Batterers believe they are entitled to control their victims. They believe that threats and violence are acceptable and will produce the desired results. Therefore, domestic violence is purposeful and instrumental behavior.The perpetrator's pattern of abusive acts is used to gain compliance from or exert control over the victim. It is directed at restricting independent thought and action so that the victim will become devoted to fulfilling the needs of the perpetrator. The pattern is not impulsive or 'out of control' behavior. Tactics that work to control the victim are selectively chosen by the perpetrator. However, the perpetrator can never get enough control to make him/her feel comfortable, making it impossible for the victim to please the perpetrator.
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:| 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, violent sex, a kind of sex the victim does not want, sex at a time victim does not want it, forcing to watch pornography |
| Psychological & Emotional: Threats through words ("if I can't have you, no one will, if you do you'll be sorry"), actions (stalking, brandishing weapons, standing over victim in a threatening manner, suicide attempts), intimidation (yelling and screaming in victim's face, reckless driving while victim or children are in the car), criticize the victim, threatens children or pets, calls the victim names, calls the victim crazy |
| Economic: Controlling victim's access to the family's resources such as time, transportation, food, clothing, shelter, or money, not allowing the victim to work, not listing the victim as an owner on a home, car, or insurance policy, ruining the victim's credit |
| Legal: Filing for protection orders, instituting legal procedures the victim cannot afford to fight, threatening to have victim declared incompetent, falsely reporting victim to law enforcement, threatening deportation |
WHY VICTIMS DON'T LEAVE
Victims may have various reasons for staying in an abusive relationship:| REASONS FOR STAYING |
|---|
| Fear of what the abuser will do if he/she 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 arrested or charged with a crime Harm children, pets, family, or friends Not allow the victim to see children or grandchildren Kill the victim or self |
| Isolation and lack of resources: The victim may not have... Housing options or money on hand for rent or deposits for a new home Income A safe place to go Transportation Physical ability to leave People to lend solid emotional support |
| Lack of support: The victim may... Feel there are no friends or family to turn to 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/her |
| Feelings and beliefs: The victim may... Feel responsible for the abusive partner's feelings, expectations, image, etc. Feel love for the abuser's positive side, and hope he/she will change Hold religious or social beliefs that divorce is wrong Hold religious or social beliefs that children should have two parents Hold religious or social beliefs that women must obey men Blame him/herself for the problems |
RESOURCES FOR VICTIMS
- Contact the Nampa Family Justice Center at 208-475-5700
- Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
- Contact the Victim Connect Resource Center at 855-484-2846