Types of Abuse
Abuse in relationships is not just about physical violence. There are many different forms of abuse that can happen within a relationship (marriage, common-law or dating). Abuse can happen even after a relationship is over.
Verbal – Yelling, swearing, blaming, insulting, embarrassing, shaming, criticizing, or name calling.
Physical – Punching, slapping, choking, kicking, forcing drugs or alcohol, or withholding the necessities of life.
Psychological – Controlling, threatening, isolating, manipulating, gaslighting, stalking, or denying/forcing religion or culture.
Sexual – Rape, unwanted touching, forced exposure to pornography, sex trafficking, refusing safer sex practices, deliberately transmitting STIs, not taking “no” for an answer, or having sex after violence.
Financial - Damaging property, controlling finances, not contributing to expenses or child support, or stealing.
(Adapted from Ministry of Justice Respectful Relationships Program, July 2013)
Verbal – Yelling, swearing, blaming, insulting, embarrassing, shaming, criticizing, or name calling.
Physical – Punching, slapping, choking, kicking, forcing drugs or alcohol, or withholding the necessities of life.
Psychological – Controlling, threatening, isolating, manipulating, gaslighting, stalking, or denying/forcing religion or culture.
Sexual – Rape, unwanted touching, forced exposure to pornography, sex trafficking, refusing safer sex practices, deliberately transmitting STIs, not taking “no” for an answer, or having sex after violence.
Financial - Damaging property, controlling finances, not contributing to expenses or child support, or stealing.
(Adapted from Ministry of Justice Respectful Relationships Program, July 2013)