Types of Abuse


You are being physically abused if someone…

  • Pushes or shoves you
  • Slaps or hits you
  • Pulls your hair
  • Kicks or punches you
  • Restrains you with force
  • Chokes you
  • Throws objects at you
  • Abandons you in a dangerous place

You are being emotionally abused if someone…

  • Withholds approval, appreciation, or affection as punishment
  • Continually criticizes you, calls you names, shouts at you
  • Makes all decisions for you
  • Wants to control all your actions
  • Humiliates you in public or private
  • Manipulates you with lies and contradictions
  • Subjects you to reckless driving

You are being sexually abused if someone…

  • Makes demeaning remarks about your gender
  • Calls you sexual names
  • Forces you to take off your clothing
  • Touches you in ways that make you feel uncomfortable
  • Forces you to have sex against your will
  • Treats you and members of your gender as objects
  • Insists you dress less sexually
  • Accuses you of sexual activity with others

You are being financially abused if someone…

  • Does not allow you to work when you want to
  • Forces you to work
  • Does not give you access to the money you are earning
  • Will not allow you to work, but refuses to give you money for basic essentials such as hygiene produces, school supplies, or groceries
  • Forces you to sign tax documents you know to be untrue
  • Takes out loans or credit cards in your name without your knowledge or consent

You are being spiritually abused if someone…

  • Does not allow you to go to church
  • Forces you to go to church
  • Does not allow you to express your religious beliefs
  • Forces you to adopt their religious beliefs
  • Uses religious texts to threaten you or as a justification for hurting you or your family

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