The term "dating abuse" refers to any act of violence, intended to hurt you physically, emotionally or sexually, perpetuated by someone that you're dating, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dating abuse is so dangerous because it is done by someone that you know, trust, and even love. Confronting possible abuse may make you feel embarrassed or confused, but knowing how to identify the various types of dating abuse can help you assess your own relationship for signs of abuse.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is often the easiest type to recognize. Some physical abuse leaves bodily marks, like bruises, scars, broken bones and other injuries. Physical abuse can be something as small as the tiniest shove or a grabbing of the wrist, to a larger act like punching or kicking, notes the National Center for Victims of Crime. Anytime you fear bodily harm because of past instances, you are the victim of physical abuse.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is often confusing when you're in a committed relationship. You may think that you cannot be raped when in a relationship, but you're mistaken. Any time your partner forces you to complete a sexual act, view something sexual or engage in a sexual act where you've felt uncomfortable and verbally said "no," you are suffering from sexual abuse in your relationship. Scaring or threatening you when you decline sex is another form of abuse.
Psychological Abuse
Psychological abuse usually occurs in dating when your partner seeks control over your actions. You might find yourself being isolated from your friends and family, and feeling scared about the reaction to the things you do each day. Some partners will exercises financial control as a form of abuse by limiting how much money you can spend or dictating the type of job you're allowed to have. Abusers work with fear and control as the tools for abuse, notes HelpGuide.org. It's a subtle but powerful way that your partner abuses the relationship with you.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse, also known as verbal abuse, is one of the most confusing types of dating abuse, because the evidence is subtle. Since the abuse deals with your feelings, emotions and words, you might sometimes dismiss it as a smaller problem than it really is. Some of the signs of an emotional abuser includes blame, jealousy, resentment, superiority, deceit and insults, according to Psychology Today. Anytime an abuser toys with your emotions or manipulates them so you feel worthless, scared or sad, it's considered emotional abuse.
