Domestic Violence is abuse of one partner in a relationship against the other. The majority of the time, it is a male abuser and a female victim. However, the female is the abuser in some cases. Also, more cases are emerging of domestic violence in same sex relationships. Elder abuse, Child abuse, and forced sexual activity are also forms of domestic violence. Below is a table explaining the different types of domestic abuse. Please understand that ALL types of domestic abuse are HURTFUL and DANGEROUS! Although physical abuse is the greatest source of IMMEDIATE danger, other forms of abuse can lead to a dysfunctional life and be a strong motivator for suicide and substance abuse.

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Types of Domestic Abuse:
 
Physical Abuse:  Physical abuse is bodily contact intentionally meant to cause harm. Physical abuse includes grabbing, pushing, slapping, hitting, punching, throwing objects, inflicting burns, stabbing, and shooting. It is any forceful, unwanted physical touch.
 
Emotional Abuse:  Emotional abuse may include ridiculing or demanding statements, withholding of affection or privileges, or blaming victim for family or interpersonal problems. Emotional abuse often occurs in conjunction with physical violence, but it can occur by itself. Physical abuse leaves broken bones or bruises as evidence, while the consequences of emotional abuse are lowered self-esteem, feelings of helplessness, and possible thoughts of suicide. Emotional abuse is constant, repetitive attempts by the abuser to make the victims feel worthless or unliked.
 
Verbal Abuse:  Threatened violence is a type of emotional abuse. It can include verbal threats of harm, wielding of weapons, threatening gestures, injury or killing of family pets, destruction of property, or any other intimidating verbal or nonverbal behavior. It may also include threats of harm to family members or children of the victim or, in the case of a person illegally in this country, threats of deportation. Even if the threatened violence is not carried out, the apprehension and uncertainty may be more damaging to the victim than the physical act itself.
 
Sexual Assault:  A sexual assault is forced sexual contact between two people.  Sexual Assaults include Forcible Rape, Statutory Rape, Sexual Harassment, Forced Incest, and Date Rape. 
 
Marital Rape:  A form of sexual abuse where an unwilling partner is forced to participate in intercourse or other sexual acts against their will. It is often accompanied by physical abuse, or at least threats of harm. Marital rape is often unreported because the victim feels embarrassed or thinks the abuser has the legal right to engage in intercourse because of the marriage. NO ONE has the right to force a person to engage in unwanted sexual activity. 
 
Elder Abuse:  Elder abuse is abuse toward an elderly person. It may include physical abuse, verbal abuse, withholding of necessities, and refusal to seek proper medical care for the elder. 
 
Child Abuse:  Child abuse is a form of domestic violence. It may include physical abuse, verbal or emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. 
 
If you are a victim or witness of abuse please seek help!
If you have experienced any of these types of abuse please take the time to create a personal safety plan.  
Please check out our PERSONAL SAFETY PLAN page for tips
and instructions on personalizing your plan.
 
Personal Safety Plan 
 
We have trained staff members and advocates that are available to help you create and personalize a Safety Plan. 
If you need help with a Personal or Child Safety Plan please call (336) 372-3462.