II. TYPES OF ABUSE
Domestic violence is an abuse of power. It is the domination, coercion, intimidation and victimization of one person by another by physical, sexual or emotional means, within an intimate relationship. Abuse may be physical, psychological, or most frequently, a combination of both. Domestic violence is not only about hitting. Victims regularly report emotional and psychological abuse to be even more devastating than physical violence. Almost all physical violence is preceded and accompanied by emotional violence.
A. Physical
- Slaps
- Punches
- Kicks
- Choking
- Shaking
- Burns
- Stabbing
- Mutilation
- Gunshot
- Sexual
B. Psychological
- Verbal harassment
- Demeaning, name-calling
- Ridicule
- Intimidation
- Threats of physical harm
- Forced isolation
- Unreasonable demands
- Sexual jealousy
- False accusations
- Destruction of property
- Giving away possessions
- Harming pets