Types of Abuse

We tend to think of Domestic Abuse as physical violence or assault on a partner. In reality, however, domestic abuse is the summary of physically, sexually and psychologically abusive behaviours directed by one partner against another, regardless of their marital status or gender.

Abuse usually seems absent at the beginning of the relationship, and the majority of victims feel that they have found their perfect partner or soulmate, but gradually (it might take months or even years) the abusive behaviour increases and the perpetrator is likely to use various different types of abuse:

The Function of Abuse

Domestic abuse may also be defined by identifying its function, that being the domination, punishment or control of one's partner. Abusers use physical and sexual violence, threats, money, emotional, psychological and spiritual abuse to control their partners and get their way. The different personas within the Dominator show very clearly how the different types of abuse are used to control and dominate the victim.

Sometimes Domestic Abuse is better understood by it's effect on the victim than by the specific actions of the abuser. Check out the characteristics of abuse victims which give an insight into the effect that ongoing abuse has on them.

Check out the Wheel of Power and Control, which provides a visual representation of the interconnection of the differing forms of abuse.

Next: Physical Abuse

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