Types of Violence

Violence and abuse affect all kinds of people every day. It doesn't matter what race or culture you come from, how much money you have, how old you are, or if you have a disability. Violence does not discriminate.

Sometimes it is hard and confusing to admit that you are in an abusive relationship, or to find a way out. There are clear signs to help you know if you are being abused. If the person you love or live with does any of these things to you, it's time to get help:

Physical Abuse Hitting/Kicking Choking/Suffocating Hair pulling Held down Biting/Scratching Poking/Pinching Grabbing/Squeezing Pushing/Shoving/Tripping Tickling Spit on Stabbed/Cut Burning Pushed out of car Throwing objects Dragged through house Kidnapped Emotional Abuse Isolation from others Ridicule, put-downs Manipulates you (through lies) Blames you for faults Intimidation/Threats of harm Criticism Prevents you from going places Uses money to control you Ignoring partner/silent treatment Abuse of pets Monitors conversations Acts jealous and possessive Makes constant excuses Makes you account for time Embarrasses you in front of others Make you feel "crazy"

Verbal Abuse Yelling Insults Threats to hurt or kill Criticizes appearance Constant blaming Sexual Abuse Rape Withholds sex Abuse if you refuse sex Prohibits use of birth control Forcing pregnancy Criticizes appearance Constant sexual demands Forcing unwanted sexual acts Making demeaning sexual remarks Forces cohabitation Financial Abuse Controlling money Demanding an account of all expenditures Destruction of property Taking keys or purse Other Types Of Abuse To Consider Cyber/technology stalking or harassment Facebook My Space Instant messaging Text messaging