What Is Relationship Abuse?

Domestic Violence is an escalating pattern of abuse where one partner in an intimate relationship controls the other through force, intimidation, or the threat of violence. Abuse comes in many forms:

Physical
Kicking, punching, shoving, slapping, pushing, disrespectful touching, use of physical strength to intimidate/threaten, and any other act which assaults your body.

Sexual
Calling you vulgar names, criticizing your body parts, fear of saying "no", painful or unsafe sex, forced or pressured sexual acts, including rape.

Emotional
Assaults against your self esteem, intimidation, fear, neglect.

Verbal
Name-calling, threats, put-downs.

Psychological
Causing you to feel as if you are "going crazy". Threatening to expose information on your parenting skills, citizenship, sexuality, and other aspects of your life.

Spiritual
Attacking your spiritual or religious beliefs.

Financial
Controlling and manipulating you by threatening your economic status and basic needs. Forbidding you to work, or have access to cash or a checkbook.

Destructive Act
Actual or threatened assault of your property or pets to scare you.

If you see any of the above characteristics in your own relationship, seek help before things get worse.