Types of Domestic Violence

Domestic abuse is not just limited to physical attacks on a spouse or partner. There are several other types of domestic violence, including emotional abuse, isolation, intimidation, and financial abuse. Children are also seriously impacted by domestic violence, even when the violence is not directed toward them.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse of a partner may involve hitting, shoving, shaking, restraining, choking, punching or using a weapon to inflict physical harm.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse and humiliation may involve name calling, unfair and constant criticism, and making victims feel that they have no worth.

Isolation

Frequently, an abuser will keep the victim isolated from others and will react jealously toward any outside interests that the abused partner may attempt to pursue.

Intimidation

An abuser may resort to threats and intimidation. This may include destroying property, wielding weapons, making threatening gestures or abusing a household pet.

Economic Abuse

Financial control is another tool of the abusive partner. By controlling the victim's access to money and resources, an abuser controls the victim's freedom and access to help.

Prevention/Solution

Domestic abuse victims have various resources that can be called upon, including taking out restraining orders and going to domestic violence shelters.

Resources

• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence