Abusive Relationships
Abusive relationships, it is really tough to admit that you are being abused or that you have been a victim of abuse. But
you should know that being abused is not something to be embarrassed about. It happens to a lot of women and men.
Domestic abuse is very serious. On the average, husbands or boyfriends murder three women a day in the USA. It is also of interest to note that 30% of Americans know a woman who has been abused by her husband or boyfriend in the last year.
The definition of abuse is broad and encompasses four different categories: physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse.
PHYSICAL ABUSE
1) Slapping, hitting, choking, burning, kicking, or cutting
2) Restraint. This can range from locking someone in a room, to handcuffing them to the bed, etc.
3) Threatening or using a weapon
4) Abandonment in dangerous situations. This includes abandoning someone on a busy highway, etc.
5) Killing or injuring a pet
6) Destroying belongings
EMOTIONAL ABUSE
1) Constant verbal harassments
2) Threats of harm
3) Humiliation and Degradation
4) Food deprivation
5) Sleep deprivation
6) Threats
7) Accusations
8) Isolation from friends and family
9) Refusing help for sickness or injury
10) Reckless Driving
SEXUAL ABUSE
1) Rape
2) Forced sex
3) Forced sex with others
4) Unwanted sexual practices
5) Sexual abuse of victim’s child
ECONOMIC ABUSE
1) Taking the victim’s money
2) Not permitting the victim to work
3) Prohibiting the victim’s access to work
Any and all of the above are examples of spousal abuse. If you or someone you know are victims, get help immediately. The National Domestic Violence Hotline or call: 1-800-799-SAFE
