This month we will be discussing the different forms of abuse that affect millions of people from all corners of the world. Abuse affects people of all religious, cultural, socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. It is crucial to understand the forms that abuse manifests itself in so that you can recognize an abusive situation should it present itself. Below are the definitions of the four most common forms of abuse:
“Domestic abuse, also known as spousal abuse, occurs when one person in an intimate relationship or marriage tries to dominate and control the other person. Domestic abuse that includes physical violence is called domestic violence.”
“Child abuse is when a parent or caregiver, whether through action or failing to act, causes injury, death, emotional harm or risk of serious harm to a child. There are many forms of child maltreatment, including neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation, and emotional abuse.”
“Sexual abuse is any situation in which you are forced to participate in unwanted, unsafe, or degrading sexual activity. Forced sex, even by a spouse or intimate partner with whom you also have consensual sex, is an act of aggression and violence.”
“Emotional abuse is aimed to chip away at your feelings of self-worth and independence. It includes verbal abuse such as yelling, name-calling, blaming and shaming. Isolation, intimidation, and controlling behavior also fall under emotional abuse.”
Many people do not see themselves as victims, nor do abusers see themselves as being abusive. However, abusers use a variety of tactics in order to manipulate their victim and exert their power. By understanding these tactics, victims can better identify abuse and remove themselves from a harmful situation more efficiently.
Dominance is used in order to make the abuser feel in charge of the victim.
Humiliation is used in order to make the victim feel bad about oneself or defective in some way. The hopes of this is for the victim to begin to believe that if no one else wants him/her, then they are less likely to leave (especially in a domestic situation).
Isolation is used in order for the victim to increase their dependence on the abuser by being cut off from the outside world.
Threats are commonly used to keep the other person from leaving the situation and to scare them into dropping charges.
Intimidation is used to make the victim submissive.
Denial and blame is used to minimize the abuse, deny that it occurred, or shift the responsibility onto the victim in order to make excuses for the inexcusable.
Remember, abusers are able to control their behavior. They carefully chose whom to abuse, when to abuse and where to abuse. They are able to stop their abusive behavior when it benefits them. It is essential to refrain from making excuses for an abuser, and to understand that the victim is never to blame.
It is important to speak up if you know someone who is struggling with abuse.
Do
Don’t
Sources:
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/domestic-violence-and-abuse.htm
https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/
