Types of abuse

Physical abuse

Any aggressive behaviour directed at another's body, such as pushing, pinching, squeezing, shaking, grabbing, biting, slapping, punching, kicking, or choking. It also includes throwing objects or using a weapon. Physical abuse comes in varying degrees, and does not always leave visible marks.

Sexual abuse

Any sexual contact or activity that happens without consent. No one, not even a partner, has the right to force someone to participate in sexual activity if they don’t want to. If force or threats of force are used to gain compliance, the individual can be charged with sexual assault.

Psychological and verbal abuse

The infliction of emotional pain and suffering by doing things to control or degrade, such as repeated verbal attacks on self-esteem, repeated accusations of cheating, threats of suicide, control over friends and money, and threats of harm to others.

Forced confinement

When someone does not allow another person out of a house, room, bed, or chair, etc. for extended periods of time.

Abuse towards pets or property

The destruction of property or animals with the explicit or implicit threat that "you are next."

Financial Abuse

Having little or no access to the family's money and little or no control over what is spent or saved.