Domestic Violence isn’t only what you think…
Domestic abuse can show up in a number of ways that are all equally as damaging. Here are the 3 main types of domestic abuse explained.
Physical domestic abuse
The first and usually most obvious form of domestic abuse is physical violence. This includes hitting, kicking or slapping, stopping someone from leaving the room or house, using your body in a threatening way over the other person, forcing the other to act in ways against their will, including sexually (1 in 10 women have been raped by their intimate partner, there are no statistics on how many men have suffered the same). Physical domestic abuse is using your body in any intimidating way against your partner.
It's incredibly damaging and shockingly common. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by their intimate partner.
Psychological and emotional domestic abuse
Psychological and emotional domestic violence is often a form of verbal abuse and can include physical intimidation. It can show up as control tactics like not allowing you to go to work or leave the house or barring you from being with your friends and family. Manipulation and mind games are used like gaslighting and instilling self-doubt. Narcissistic abuse or trauma bonding are forms of psychological and emotional abuse in which your partner continually tears you down, but with unpredictable moments of positive reinforcement, enough to make you stay and even think it’s your fault.
Financial Domestic Abuse
Financial domestic abuse is possibly the least talked about form of domestic abuse. BUT is actually pretty common! This can be seen in the form of controlling and manipulating finances, keeping secrets about finances and controlling money in order to control your partner.
It is important to know that domestic abuse can happen to anyone in any relationship and WILL show up in more ways than physical abuse. These are the three main types of domestic abuse and despite what you may think, they all make leaving the relationship even harder. Being abused makes you question your own self-worth, instead of recognizing that your partner is abusive and you need to protect yourself. It can be insidious and even the most confident people can quickly be broken down by an abusive partner.
You are not alone. You are your own best resource. AND there is a lot of help out there. Don’t isolate yourself. Reach out to people who care about you and get help.
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and all victims of abuse.
Domestic violence hotline: 800-799-7233
Text: START to 88788
