Introduction
Domestic abuse is not a single behaviour, it’s a pattern of actions that one person uses to
exert control over another. Abuse can be subtle, overt, physical, or invisible, and it is not
limited to romantic relationships.
Understanding the different types of abuse can help survivors identify it early, friends and
family intervene safely, and communities take informed action.
- Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is the most visible form but is often accompanied by other types. Examples
include:
- Hitting, slapping, punching, or choking
- Threatening with or using weapons
- Preventing someone from leaving a room or home
Consequences: Injury, hospitalization, and increased risk of long-term physical conditions.
- Emotional and Psychological Abuse
Emotional abuse erodes self-esteem and mental well-being:
- Persistent criticism, humiliation, or insults
- Gaslighting, making the victim doubt their perception of reality
- Threats of abandonment or harm
Consequences: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and long-term trauma.
- Verbal Abuse
Verbal abuse can overlap with emotional abuse but specifically uses language to harm:
- Yelling, shouting, name-calling
- Threatening, shaming, or belittling
- Public humiliation
Consequences: Loss of confidence, social isolation, emotional distress.
- Financial Abuse
Financial abuse is a controlling tactic that limits independence:
- Restricting access to money or bank accounts
- Forbidding employment or sabotaging work
- Forcing financial dependency
Consequences: Economic entrapment, difficulty leaving abusive relationships, long-term
f
inancial instability.
- Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is coercive or non-consensual sexual activity:
- Pressuring or forcing sexual acts
- Ignoring consent
- Using sex as punishment or control
Consequences: Physical injuries, trauma, reproductive and sexual health issues.
- Coercive Control
Coercive control is a persistent pattern of domination:
- Isolating the victim from friends/family
- Controlling daily activities, communication, and movement
- Using threats, intimidation, or manipulation
Consequences: Loss of autonomy, chronic stress, inability to leave.
- Digital and Technological Abuse
Modern technology can be misused to monitor and intimidate:
- Tracking locations via apps or GPS
- Constant messages, calls, or emails
- Sharing private content without consent
Consequences: Anxiety, fear, loss of privacy, ongoing harassment.
Recognizing Patterns
Unlike a single act of violence, domestic abuse often appears as patterns and cycles: - Tension building → Incident → Reconciliation → Calm
- Gradual escalation of control and restrictions
Being aware of these patterns can help victims and allies recognize abuse early.
Safety Tips: Keep emergency contacts handy, protect digital privacy, and create a personal
safety plan.
Conclusion
Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence, it takes many forms, each with serious
consequences. Recognizing the types and patterns of abuse empowers survivors, families,
and communities to act, prevent harm, and support healing.