Spousal abuse occurs when one person in a relationship attempts to control the other. While there are different forms of abuse, abusers seek control and domination through their behaviors. Spousal abuse may cause physical and psychological pain and affects all ethnic backgrounds, ages, socioeconomic statuses, genders and sexual orientation. The University of California-Davis Health System reports that an act of family violence takes place every 15 seconds.
Physical Abuse
Behaviors affiliated with physical abuse include physical force, bodily harm and inflicted injuries. Signs of a physically abusive relationship include injuries, bruises and physical pain. Any degree or frequency of abusive behavior or physical violence constitutes physical abuse; one act is too many and warrants police intervention. Physical abuse, a crime in every state, is a serious situation. Calling the police may prevent additional harm, future bouts of abuse and may help remove your abusive spouse from the home. Often, abusers may injure an area hidden by clothes, making it harder for friends and family to spot the abuse. Physical abuse creates fear, affects self-esteem, personal wellbeing and health.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse may go unnoticed or untreated more often than physical abuse. While there are no broken bones or physical injuries, the psychological attacks may cause just as much pain as physical abuse. Victims, family members and friends may overlook emotional abuse and its negative effects. Emotional abuse degrades self-worth, lowers self-esteem, reduces independence and contributes to an atmosphere of fear. An emotionally abusive spouse may use different tactics to belittle you: yelling, name-calling, intimidation, blaming and shaming. In an emotionally abusive relationship, a spouse may create a controlling environment built on fear and insecurity. Signs of emotional abuse include isolation from friends and family, insults and put-downs.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse occurs when your spouse forces or demands participation in intercourse or unsafe or unwanted sexual acts. No list of acceptable and nonacceptable sexual acts defines the appropriate sexual behavior; if your partner forces you into unwanted sexual behavior, then your spouse commits sexual abuse, regardless of the act. What may be unwanted to one may not bother another. Sexual abuse, an act of violence, illustrates another form of physical abuse. Victims of physical and sexual abuse experience greater risk for serious injury or death related to the abuse, according to Helpguide, an online mental health resource.
Financial Abuse
Financial abuse, a subset of emotional abuse, occurs when your spouse controls you with money and or your finances. Signs of financial abuse include withholding money, preventing or prohibiting you from working and restricting your access to funds and basic necessities.
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