|
Types of Abuse
01-25-2005 11:46 am
 Physical Abuse
Physical abuse includes hitting, punching, kicking, or anything else where the victim is hurt or injured. Physical violence is any act against a person that is unwanted or hurtful.
Emotional/Mental Abuse
Emotional and mental abuse includes repeated lies, blaming, broken promises, pressure on the victim, and insults and put-downs. This form of abuse may also include threats against the victim. Isolation or withholding affection from a partner also falls under this category.
Sexual Abuse:
Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual acts or sexual contact. It can include any unwanted sexual comments, unwanted kissing or touching. It can even be something as minor as tickling if the victim says no. Forced intercourse also falls under the category of sexual abuse.
Early Warning Signs
Abusers may start out small, but will eventually develop into more violent acts. Here are some early warning signs for you to watch for in a relationship...
Intimidation:
- Threatening gestures
- Shouting to gain control
- Driving recklessly
- Use of size to overpower victim
Destruction:
- Destroying personal property
- Taking or hiding things from you
Weapons:
- Abuser has an unusual fascination with weapons
- Use of weapons to scare or intimidate victim
- Use of weapons to assault or hurt the victim in any way
Reasons People Stay in an Abusive Relationship
Love People who abuse are not always hurtful and abusive. In fact, most of the time they are likeable, loving people. Many victims think that love is enough and that if they continue to love and support the abuser that their behavior will change and they will stop the abuse. This, unfortunately, is not the case. Abusers will not change unless they want to change themselves.
Fear Many times the abuser will threaten to hurt himself or herself or the victim if the victim chooses to leave. Often times the abuser will threaten that the abuse will become worse if the victim decides to leave, and that is usually enough to scare the victim into staying in the relationship.
Doubt It is very hard to admit that you are in an abusive relationship. You may want to overlook the bad times and focus on only the good times.
Embarrassment Victims may feel embarrassed to ask for help in getting out of the situation. It is not easy to admit you need assistance. It is always important to get help. Talk to someone you can trust and someone who will help you.
The Effects of Abuse
Abuse can affect different people in different ways, both physically and mentally. Here are some common effects of domestic violence...
- Physical injury
- Depression
- Terror/Fear
- Anxiety
- Guilt
- Death or Suicide
Healthy Relationships
Healthy relationships are not always easy. They take a lot of time and effort. The key to a good, healthy relationship is communication. Talk about the problems you are having and work them out. Violence is never the solution to a problem. Here are some ways to help make a healthy relationship...
- Trust your partner. Without trust, a relationship will not be a good one.
- Accept your partner's family and friends. Realize that they are important to them just like you are.
- Allow your partner to be his or her own person. Realize that you do not always have to spend time with your partner. It is healthy to spend time alone or with other friends or family.
- Do not try to change your partner. Accept them and love them for who they are.
- Communicate clearly. Talk about your expectations and your goals. Set boundaries for the relationship and make sure your partner understands your wishes.
|
