![Types of Abuse](/web/20070503175533im_/http://www.gov.nl.ca/vpi/Graphics/typessub.gif)
There are many different forms of inappropriate behaviors
that are considered abusive, which are used as an attempt to exert power
and control over an individual.
Click here to see a
diagramed view of The Wheels of Power and Control and Equality
Abuse may occur only
once, it can involve various tactics of subtle manipulation or it may
occur frequently while escalating over a period of months or years. In
any form, abuse profoundly affects
individual health and well-being putting individuals at risk of serious
behavioral, cognitive, emotional or mental disorders.
There are many different forms of
abuse and a person may be subjected to
more than one type at a time, they can be exhibited physically,
emotionally, psychologically, sexually and financially.
Physical abuse
- Physical abuse is the most
visible form of abuse and is
characterized by the infliction of injury or injuries.
- Physical abuse may include but
is not limited to such acts of violence as grabbing, striking,
pinching, shoving, slapping, hitting, hair-pulling, biting,
arm-twisting, kicking, punching.
- Hitting with objects, use of harmful restraints or weapons.
Emotional or Psychological abuse
- Emotional or psychological
abuse is defined as routinely
making unreasonable demands or the intentional infliction of
anxiety, hurt, guilt or fear through verbal or nonverbal acts.
- Emotional or psychological abuse
serves to degrade and undermine an individual's sense of self-worth
and self-esteem while rejecting their opinions and needs.
- Emotional and psychological abuse
includes but is not limited to attacking a person verbally by
yelling, name-calling, constant criticism, insults, threats,
intimidation, humiliation, and criminally harassing or stalking. As
well, isolating the victim from family, friends or regular
activities, and using silent treatment.
- Denying the abuse ever
happened; and shifting responsibility for
abuse, using the statement "It's your fault."
- Exposing a child to family violence, using
threats of harm either to the perpetrator themselves, a person or
their loved ones or others threats of damage/destruction of
property. Kidnapping, rape and murder are extreme examples of
emotional and psychological maltreatment.
Sexual abuse
- Sexual abuse is defined as any
unwanted or inappropriate sexual contact or activity that forces a
person to participate in any unwanted, unsafe or degrading sexual
activity that is considered non-consensual, coerced or against a
person deemed incapable of giving consent. Perpetrators are most
often known and trusted by the victim.
- Forms of sexual abuse may
include inviting or manipulating for sexual purposes, petting,
fondling, intercourse, date/marital rape, beating sexual parts of
the body, bestiality, forced prostitution, sodomy, sex with weapons,
exhibitionism, use of pornography. Penetration does not have to
occur for it to be sexual abuse.
- Undermining a person's sexuality by derogatory comments,
withholding sexual affection, criticism of desired sexuality, and
unfounded allegations of promiscuity and/or infidelity.
- Humiliating, criticizing, or trying to control a person's
sexuality or reproductive choices.
Economic or financial abuse
- Economic Abuse
is defined as the control of a person's financial resources without
their consent.
- Making, or attempting to make, a person financially dependent by
maintaining control over all household income, not disclosing family
income or resources. Stealing from, defrauding, manipulating,
exploiting or inappropriately using others' finances.
- Keeping the person from attending school, forbidding employment
or controlling their choice of occupation or harassing the
individual at his or her workplace.
- Denying access to financial resources, withholding money or
access to it for food or medicine. Making them beg for money for
necessary items like personal hygiene items, children's items,
taking money; giving an allowance and requiring justification for
all money spent.
If you are being subjected to any of these behaviors, you are not at
fault or to blame for abuse and
violence inflicted by others. You deserve not to be abused and have a
right to live your life with out fear. You have the right to safe,
healthy relationships and to make decisions that are best for you.
Click here for
information on where to get help now."
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