What is Abuse?

Information on types of abuse

There are 5 main types of abuse, namely:

1. Physical abuse:

• Being punched, slapped, kicked, tied up, beaten.
• Sustaining internal injuries.
• Being assaulted with objects, guns or knives.
• Being pushed around.

2. Sexual abuse:

• Rape.
• Unwelcome sexual advances and harrasment that is of a sexual nature.
• Being forced into sexual acts.
• Constant accusations of sexual infidelity.
• Constant verbal abuse, which focuses on sexual slurs e.g. slut, whore.
• Being forced to watch pornography and act out pornographic material.
• Being forced to have sexual intercourse with friends or colleagues.

3. Economic abuse:

• Prevented from getting or keeping a job.
• Being forced to hand over your salary.
• Forced to ask for money and /or to sign for debts or loans.
• Dealing with a partner or spouse who gambles all the household money.
• Working without remuneration.
• Deliberate damage to property or possessions.
• Not informing your partner or spouse that you have access to family income.

4. Emotional and verbal abuse:

• Enduring constant verbal abuse e.g. swearing and shouting.
• Being degraded publicly and privately.
• Being restricted to have relations with persons outside the home.
• Jealous and possessive tendencies and instilling fear into your partner or spouse.
• Being blamed for all your partner's or spouse's inadequacies.
• Having constant affairs outside the home.
• Using threats of violence.
• Sleep deprivation.
• Made to feel bad about yourself or guilty all the time.

5. Isolation:

• Being locked up in the home.
• Preventing or making it difficult for you to see friends or relatives.
• Monitoring phone calls and telling you where you can and can't go.