Spousal abuse can come in many forms. Many people think of a battered wife as the only victim of domestic abuse; however, men can also be victims, and there aren't always physical bruises to indicate it. Abuse is usually a way for one spouse to gain control over the other without regard for his partner's happiness or well-being. If you are a victim of abuse, seek help by contacting an abuse hot line, councilor or family member. If you are in danger of being harmed, call emergency services immediately.
Emotional
Emotional abuse, also known as psychological abuse, is a form of controlling a spouse by making her feel inadequate and unworthy and thus afraid to leave the abusive relationship. It usually includes a form of verbal abuse, such as name-calling, blaming and intimidation, according to the UC Davis Medical Center. Emotional abusers often isolate their spouse from friends and family. This form of abuse often escalates into physical abuse over time.
Physical
Physical abuse is the use of physical power against someone that inflicts pain or endangers the victim. It is legally a crime. Women are more commonly the victims of physical spousal abuse than men. If a spouse physically hurts his partner only once or twice in a relationship, it is still considered abuse, and he is likely to repeat violent acts in the future, warns Helpguide, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to benefit health and well-being. Victims of physical abuse often endure other types of spousal abuse in conjunction with physical violence.
Sexual
Sexual abuse is related to physical abuse because it is a physical violation of your body with physical and psychological ramifications. Sexual abuse in a marriage is difficult for people to discuss because some people feel that sexual relations are expected in a marriage and you cannot rape or otherwise assault your spouse through sexual behaviors. However, like all varieties of sexual abuse, spousal sexual abuse is any form of unwanted sexual contact, notes the National Violence Against Women National Research Center.
Economic
Economic abuse, also known as financial abuse, is a means of controlling someone through money and material goods, such as use of a car. Common forms of economic abuse include not allowing a non-working spouse to have any or much money, not allowing a spouse to work or have a car to drive to work and controlling what a spouse buys. Economic abuse is almost always accompanied by emotional abuse and sometimes physical abuse.
