Forms of Domestic Violence You Should Be Aware Of
Physical abuse is often the first thing that comes to mind whenever we come across cases of domestic violence. It’s true that slapping, punching, biting, strangling, kicking, shoving, hair-pulling, hitting with an object and other forms of unwanted and hurtful physical contact is domestic violence. However, domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse. There are other forms of abuse that constitute domestic violence. Read about the other forms of domestic violence below and if you think you have been abused in any of these ways, the best thing to do is consult with an experienced domestic violence attorney.
Psychological abuse
Being on the receiving end of constant threats of harm is one major sign a person is a victim of psychological abuse. The abuser could be threatening to hurt the victim physically or threaten damage to property. Some abusers even go to the extent of hurting their victim’s pets.
Insults, name-calling, hurling invectives and other forms of verbal intimidation may also be construed as psychological abuse. Being the target of such verbal abuse could severely diminish and even destroy a victim’s sense of self-worth.
Sexual Abuse
Any unwanted sexual contact in a domestic relationship constitutes sexual abuse, meaning the abuser coerces the victim to perform sexual acts without consent.
Sexual abuse also goes beyond sexual contact between the partners. Some sexual abuse cases have the abuser forcing the partner to have sex with other people, whether for their gratification or for money. Acts of sexual harassment like calling the partner sexually derogatory names or forcing the partner to watch pornography are also considered sexual abuse.
There is also reproductive coercion, a sub-category of sexual abuse where a man forces his partner to have an abortion or have sex without using contraceptives.
Economic abuse
Economic or financial abuse is a powerful tactic used by abusers to keep their partners trapped in the relationship. They do this by blocking or limiting their partner’s access to financial resources, such as money or credit card use.
It’s also economic abuse when the abuser keeps his partner from seeking a job, or is working actively to make her lose her job. In some cases, victims are forced to work jobs and turn over all their paychecks to the abuser.
Using money earmarked for necessities like groceries to alcohol, drugs, personal hobbies and other non-essentials can also be construed as economic abuse.
Spiritual abuse
When you’re a member of a church, and you are forcing your partner or your family to go to the same church as you, you are committing spiritual abuse. It’s also spiritual abuse if you are stopping them from practicing their religious beliefs. Mock their faith, and you may also be accused of spiritual abuse. The same applies if you raise your children in a religion without the consent of your partner.
Domestic violence is a common occurrence, but reports or complaints about it are not as common as we’d like. In most cases, it’s out of fear or shame, but the lack of awareness about what constitutes domestic violence is also to blame. It’s a sad fact that there are people in abusive relationships who are not aware they’re in one, and that is something that has to change.
