Abuse is a pattern of physically and emotionally violent and coercive behaviors that one person uses to exercise power and control over another. Abusers may use verbal insults, emotional abuse, financial deprivation, threats and/or sexual and physical violence as a way to dominate their partners and get their way. Below are some examples of abuse.
 

Verbal Abuse Yelling Name calling Threatening to hurt or kill Degrading women in general Belittling accomplishments Constant blaming Emotional Abuse Apologizing and making false promises to end the abuse Isolating from others Ridiculing, criticizing appearance Ignoring, withholding affection Abusing pets Accusing of having affairs Monitoring conversations Embarrassing in front of others Undermining authority with children Making account for time Constant telephone calls - "checking up" Financial Abuse Controlling money bank accounts Withholding financial information Making account for expenditures Withholding child support Destroying property Taking or disabling vehicle Taking keys/purse Running up debts Sabotaging work/school

Sexual Abuse Constant sexual demands Forcing unwanted sexual acts Insisting on unwanted and uncomfortable touching Committing rape or incest Forcing sadistic sexual acts Treating others as sex objects Making demeaning sexual remarks Forcing family members to view pornographic materials Wanting sex after abuse Forcing to have sex with others Forcing pregnancy or abortion Physical Abuse Holding down Hair pulling Poking, grabbing Pushing, shoving Locking in or out of the house Subjecting to reckless driving Refusing to help when sick or injured Kicking, biting Hitting, slapping Choking, strangling Burning Throwing or hitting with objects Spitting on Using a knife or gun