Types of Domestic Abuse

To gain power and control over the person, the abuser may use fear, bullying and threats. He/She may act controlling, possessive or jealous. These early signs of abuse may happen soon into the relationship. They may be hard to notice at first. The abuse may get worse after the relationship becomes more serious. The abuser may begin to slam doors, break dishes, call the victim names and make threats. This is sometimes used to make the person feel weak or bad. It is a form of EMOTIONAL ABUSE. Over time, a PHYSICAL ABUSE that started with a slap might lead to shoving, kicking and choking. The abuser may make violent threats against the person's children, other family members or even pets, as a way to control the person. FINANCIAL ABUSE is when the abuser controls or withholds money to make the victim feel dependent and weak. Forcing a person to have sex against his/her will is SEXUAL ABUSE. Abuse is more likely to happen in a relationship with money troubles and problems with alcohol and drugs. Abuse also happens with teens that are in a relationship. Jealously and controlling behaviors are why it often happens.