The terms "spousal abuse" and "domestic violence" are often used interchangeably, according to the National Council on Child Abuse and Family Violence. In a spousal abuse situation, one partner aims to have power and control over another partner. Abuse takes many forms. It can be physical, sexual, verbal or emotional. It's important to understand that no matter what type of abuse your partner perpetuates against you, you didn't ask for it and you don't deserve it. Spousal abuse is a crime and situation that can fast become deadly. Examples of the types of behaviors that constitute abuse can help you evaluate your own relationship and seek help if necessary.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is a broad term for a wide range of behaviors. The most common example of physical abuse is hitting, but it can also include any type of violent behavior which results in physical harm. This means kicking, using a weapon, throwing things and forcing you to participate in unwanted sexual behaviors. If your partner puts his hands on you in any way you find harmful or threatening, it's physical abuse. There is no one type of abuse that's better or worse than another according to HelpGuide.org. All forms of abuse are unhealthy and illegal, even if you've only been abused once or if you think your abuse isn't that bad.
Sexual Abuse
Although sexual abuse is a form of physical abuse according to HealthGuide.org, it's a category unto itself because it, too covers a wide variety of behaviors with a specific theme. If your partner pressures or forces you to have sex against your will, this is sexual abuse. It doesn't matter if the sex acts are intercourse or other types of sexual behavior, including oral sex. If your partner makes you participate in sex with other people or forces you into prostitution, this is also sexual abuse. If you have sex with your partner willingly out of fear or due to manipulation, it also falls under the sexual abuse category because you would not have otherwise agreed to sex. An example of a common manipulation includes your partner telling you he'll leave you if you don't agree to sex.
Verbal Abuse
Verbal abuse means your partner uses words to overpower or degrade you. If your partner yells at you, calls you names, criticizes your clothing or belittles your mothering or housework skills, you're in an verbally abusive situation. Verbal abuse often accompanies other types of abuse, but it can exist on its own. If your partner insults you, constantly tries to argue with you or says things deliberately to hurt your feelings or make you mad, you could be in an abusive relationship.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abusers aim to have power over you by making you feel worthless, intimidated an unable to leave your situation. For example, if your spouse controls the family finances and the family car, you may be unable to earn your own money. This is a common strategy emotional abusers use to control their partners. Emotional abusers may take your money, humiliate you, constantly threaten you, blame relationship problems on your and do anything in his power to beak you down so he can keep tight control over you. An emotional abuser may prohibit you from having your own friends or spending time with your family members. Emotional abuse often goes unreported because it's a more invisible type of abuse. Emotional abuse leaves no visible injury but it's just as dangerous as physical abuse, according to TeensHealth website.
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