Types of Abuse

Emotional Abuse

When someone does or says something to make you feel stupid or worthless; name calling, blaming all of the problems in the relationship on you, humiliating or belittling you in front of others

Physical Abuse

When someone uses a part of their body or an object to harm your body or control your actions; pushing, shoving, pinning or holding a person down, slapping, kicking, or an assault with a weapon. The extreme is murder.

Psychological and Emotional

When someone uses threats and causes fear in you to gain control; threatening to harm you or your children and/or family if you leave; as well as threatening to harm themselves or threatening to destroy your property.

Sexual

When someone, even your partner, forces you to take part in sexual activity when you do not want to, touches you in a sexual manner against your will, or forces you to perform sexual acts that you find degrading or painful.

Economic and Financial

When someone controls the finances against your will, forces you to work, or takes the money needed to care for the family.

Destruction of Property

When someone destroys your personal belongings or your property it is meant to instill fear.

If you would like more information on the types of abuse, please visit the following links www.gov.nl.ca/VPI/types/index.html or www.respectwomen.ca/formsofviolence.html offered by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.