7 different types of abuse and signs to look for

Abuse can manifest in many different ways, and it’s not always easy to identify. Often in relationships, it creeps in gradually. The perpetrator exposes the victim in small steps, leading to a shift in what the victim perceives as normal behavior. By the time it becomes apparent, it has often been going on for a long time.

Regardless of the form, it’s important to understand the different types of abuse a person can be subjected to and how to recognize the signs when someone is subjected. This knowledge allows you to better help if someone close to you is affected and can also help you avoid situations where you may become a victim of abuse.

Physical form

Physical abuse is the most obvious form and simply means that someone uses physical force to harm another person. It can involve hitting, kicking, pushing, or pulling hair, but also restraining someone or threatening to use physical violence.

When someone is subjected to physical abuse, common signs include:

• Unexplained bruises, injuries, or wounds that the victim may try to hide with clothing.
• The victim appears afraid to approach others, especially the perpetrator.
• Repeated absence from work, school, or social events, often with vague excuses.

Emotional form

Emotional abuse involves controlling, threatening, or manipulating another person through insults and humiliation. It’s a subtle form of abuse that can be difficult to detect but can have severe long-term effects on the victim’s self-esteem and mental health.

The effects of emotional abuse can make the victim:

• Appear constantly nervous or afraid, especially around a specific person.
• Have significantly lowered self-esteem and frequently speak negatively about themselves.
• Isolate themselves socially, as the perpetrator may limit the victim’s contact with friends and family.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse includes everything from unwanted physical contact to rape and harassment. The common factor is that it occurs without the victim’s consent and violates their bodily integrity.

People subjected to sexual abuse:

• May avoid talking about intimate relationships or show signs of discomfort when the topic comes up.
• Have unexplained injuries, especially in intimate areas.
• Exhibit sudden behavioral changes, particularly showing anxiety or fear.

Economic control

Economic abuse involves limiting or controlling another person’s access to money and financial resources. This can include preventing someone from working or having complete control over their bank accounts and assets. The perpetrator could also force the victim to take out loans they don’t want. What makes it a form of abuse is that the victim doesn’t consent to losing financial control but feels compelled to give it up. This makes the victim financially dependent on the perpetrator.

A person subjected to economic abuse:

• May seem to struggle with managing their finances, despite having an income.
• Has a perpetrator who controls all financial decisions and has full insight into the victim’s financial situation.
• Often asks to borrow money because they have no financial resources of their own.

Material abuse

When it comes to material abuse, the perpetrator will destroy or damage the victim’s property as a way to control and intimidate them. This can range from destroying personal belongings to deliberately damaging the victim’s home or car. The perpetrator can also force the victim to destroy their own possessions. Material abuse also includes violent acts committed against pets.

People subjected to material abuse:

• May have damaged or destroyed belongings that are of great value to them, both emotionally and financially.
• May be afraid to own valuable items or constantly worry about having their things destroyed.

Digital abuse

This form of abuse is becoming increasingly common in the digital age we live in. In these cases, the perpetrator will use digital channels, such as social media, text messages, or email, to harass or threaten the victim. Digital abuse can also include monitoring and controlling the victim’s digital activity.

People subjected to digital abuse may:

• Appear stressed or nervous after receiving messages or emails from the perpetrator.
• Have a perpetrator who demands access to the their passwords or monitors their social media accounts.
• Withdraw from social media or seem afraid that their private information will be shared.

Latent abuse

Latent abuse involves living in constant fear that violence will occur, even if the perpetrator isn’t currently exposing the victim to violent behavior. For example, the victim may have been subjected to violence previously and is now adjusting their behavior to avoid triggering the perpetrator.

A person subjected to latent abuse may:

• Appear to be constantly walking on eggshells, avoiding saying or doing anything that could provoke the perpetrator.
• Seem perpetually anxious or stressed without an apparent cause.
• Take responsibility for small mistakes or incidents to prevent a reaction from the perpetrator.

Why it’s important to recognize signs of abuse

All types of abuse can have serious consequences for the victim’s physical and mental health. By being aware of the signs, you can help yourself or someone close to you seek support in time. Abuse is never acceptable, and help is available. Organizations like Fempowerment offer support and advice to people who are or have been subjected.

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