The term “abuse” covers a broad spectrum of behaviors and actions thus making it difficult to define a specific number of types.
Abuse can be very dangerous and often time affects victims negatively, shaping their perception and sometimes changing their lifestyle.
The following examples are the most commonly recognized types of abuse which are common in relationships.
Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse is a consistent denial of your right to express your feelings. It is a violation or ridicule of your most important values and beliefs. Some warning signs that you may be experiencing this type of abuse are:
- Withholding of approval or support as a form of punishment,
- Criticism, belittling, name-calling, and yelling,
- Invasions of privacy, and
- Elimination of support by preventing contact with friends and family.
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Psychological abuse
Many experiences this kind of abuse in the form of restriction, belittlement, unrealistic demands, or threats. It can also include things such as withholding affection/information in order to extract certain behavior from the individual being abused. Many of the signs of this type of abuse are similar to those of emotional abuse. Examples include:
- Refusal to socialize with the victim,
- Taking car or house keys from the victim to prevent escape or safety,
- Threatening to take the children,
- Playing mind games, and
- Ignoring or minimizing the victim’s feelings.
Verbal abuse
Behavior can range from small, repetitive comments to loud, angry shouting meant to belittle the one on the receiving end of the comments. As with the two previous forms of abuse, verbal abuse shares similar characteristics and warning signs.
Physical abuse
Physical abuse can include harm that is intentional or harm that is inflicted without the intent of hurting the individual. Repeated abuse can lead to a myriad of physical and mental health issues including brain injury.
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse, a very complex form of abuse, is not necessarily a category alone but rather is a combination of physical, psychological, and emotional abuse, particularly in long-term relationships. It may present in the following ways:
- Anger or jealousy,
- Criticism sexually,
- Withholding sex or affect to hurt or punish someone,
- Publicly showing interest in others,
- Forcing unwanted sexual acts or forcing sex after beating, or
- Forcing any part of sex using guilt, coercion, or manipulation.
If you are a victim of abuse do not be afraid to ask for help. Be sure to have a trusted friend or family member on whom you can rely. It is not weak or embarrassing to ask for help when you need it.
