The Different Types of Domestic Abuse, Explained

Domestic Abuse

More than 10,000,000 people experience domestic abuse annually in the United States alone. Moreover, this number only includes physical abuse and not the many other types of domestic violence that one can experience. Though physical abuse is the most well-known type of abuse, there are many other forms of abuse in relationships to be aware of.

In this piece, we will briefly delve into domestic abuse and the many forms that it can take. Read on for more information on abuse in relationships.

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is generally defined as violent or aggressive behavior between two or more members of a relationship. Typically, this is between spouses or significant others.

While many people picture a verbally abusive husband as the textbook case of domestic abuse, abusers don’t stick to a specific gender. It’s more common for women to be the victims of abuse, but men suffer from abuse as well.

Types of Domestic Abuse

Violence is the most well-known type of abuse, but it’s far from the only type. Here are three of the most common types of abuse in relationships.

Verbal and Emotional

Verbal and emotional abuse are usually hand-in-hand and as such, it can be difficult to separate the two. Verbal abuse is, as the name suggests, abuse made up of verbally berating or assaulting a partner. 

Yelling is common, often paired with threats of violence against the victim. Emotional and psychological abuse ensue with this beratement and threats, causing a variety of psychological effects on the victim. It’s highly common for a victim of this type of abuse to suffer from PTSD.

Sexual

Sexual abuse is another common style of abuse with arguably the most hidden signs of abuse. Many discount sexual abuse under the belief that sex is a normal part of a relationship.

Sexual abuse takes place when one member of a relationship forces or insists on sex despite the protests of the victim. It’s often manipulative and paired with physical abuse.

Financial

Financial abuse is less-known and many feel that it’s relatively “minor” compared to other styles. Financial abuse is often used alongside emotional and psychological abuse.

Financial abuse occurs when a victim is trapped by their spouse under financial constraints. Historically, it was common for women to be financially trapped by their husbands due to social restrictions on women working. The abuser will withhold funds and make it so that the victim cannot escape due to a lack of a way to make money and a threat of poorness.

Handling Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is insidious and widespread, and it can be difficult to know what to do if you are being abused. It’s crucial to reach out to authorities, friends, family members, and anyone else who will be able to help you. Escaping abuse is difficult alone, but there are organizations and authority figures that will help keep you safe.

Browse our extensive website for more information on how to handle and solve domestic abuse.

More than 10,000,000 people experience domestic abuse annually in the United States alone. Moreover, this number only includes physical abuse and not the many other types of domestic violence that one can experience. Though physical abuse is the most well-known type of abuse, there are many other forms of abuse in relationships to be aware of.

In this piece, we will briefly delve into domestic abuse and the many forms that it can take. Read on for more information on abuse in relationships.

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is generally defined as violent or aggressive behavior between two or more members of a relationship. Typically, this is between spouses or significant others.

While many people picture a verbally abusive husband as the textbook case of domestic abuse, abusers don’t stick to a specific gender. It’s more common for women to be the victims of abuse, but men suffer from abuse as well.

Types of Domestic Abuse

Violence is the most well-known type of abuse, but it’s far from the only type. Here are three of the most common types of abuse in relationships.

Verbal and Emotional

Verbal and emotional abuse are usually hand-in-hand and as such, it can be difficult to separate the two. Verbal abuse is, as the name suggests, abuse made up of verbally berating or assaulting a partner. 

Yelling is common, often paired with threats of violence against the victim. Emotional and psychological abuse ensue with this beratement and threats, causing a variety of psychological effects on the victim. It’s highly common for a victim of this type of abuse to suffer from PTSD.

Sexual

Sexual abuse is another common style of abuse with arguably the most hidden signs of abuse. Many discount sexual abuse under the belief that sex is a normal part of a relationship.

Sexual abuse takes place when one member of a relationship forces or insists on sex despite the protests of the victim. It’s often manipulative and paired with physical abuse.

Financial

Financial abuse is less-known and many feel that it’s relatively “minor” compared to other styles. Financial abuse is often used alongside emotional and psychological abuse.

Financial abuse occurs when a victim is trapped by their spouse under financial constraints. Historically, it was common for women to be financially trapped by their husbands due to social restrictions on women working. The abuser will withhold funds and make it so that the victim cannot escape due to a lack of a way to make money and a threat of poorness.

Handling Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is insidious and widespread, and it can be difficult to know what to do if you are being abused. It’s crucial to reach out to authorities, friends, family members, and anyone else who will be able to help you. Escaping abuse is difficult alone, but there are organizations and authority figures that will help keep you safe.

Browse our extensive website for more information on how to handle and solve domestic abuse.