What is Domestic Violence Abuse?
It is estimated that there are about 2.5 million cases of domestic violence in the U.S. each year. Domestic violence abuse involves intimate partners or family members, and includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Forms of domestic violence abuse include spousal abuse, child abuse and elder abuse.
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Spousal Abuse
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The term spousal abuse is often used interchangeably with the term domestic violence and includes abuse involving any intimate partner, including a boyfriend or girlfriend. It can occur among those in every racial, ethnic and economic group and in same-sex relationships, according to Help Guide, a nonprofit organization aimed at preventing domestic abuse. Threats, humiliation and isolation are common symptoms of emotional abuse, while hitting, kicking biting and being forced to have sexual relations characterize physical and sexual abuse.
Child Abuse
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Elder abuse is one form of domestic violence abuse. Child abuse can take various forms. These include physical abuse and emotional abuse, such as calling the child names or rejecting her. Child neglect is defined as failing to provide for the child's basic needs, such as food and clothing. Sexual abuse involves both inappropriate touching and exposing the child to sexual material or situations.
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Elder Abuse
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The National Center on Elder Abuse, part of the U.S. Administration on Aging, defines elder abuse as "... any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. Thus, as with the other forms of domestic violence abuse, elder abuse can be in the form of physical, sexual, emotional or through neglect, and both men and women are victims. In this type of abuse, exploitation is also a concern, such as taking or misusing money or property.
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