5 Things You Need to Know About Spousal, Child and Parent Abuse

1. Kick Me When I'm Down

There are different types of domestic violence, but abuse is abuse and one should not allow it to continue. It shapes who we become and children of abusive parents may grow up to continue the cycle. Abuse causes stress that can cause cognitive distortions, which makes it difficult to come to rational decisions. It also affects the ability for social interaction at school, work or with friends.

2. Know When it is Abuse

The type of abuse we most hear of is physical, where a parent, child or spouse strikes, pushes or otherwise causes harm to your body. Sexual abuse is when there is inappropriate or forced sexual contact between a child and an adult, or two adults. Verbal abuse is possibly the least visible type of abuse. Most verbal abusers don't do this when others are around; however, verbal abuse, or bullying, can take place at home, at school or at the workplace. It includes threats, belittling, name-calling and making the victim feel worthless. Emotional abuse could involve someone harming a pet or humiliating someone in front of others. One type of abuse that isn't well known is parent abuse. This is when children abuse their parents possibly due to a mental disorder or substance abuse.

3. You Know the Victims

Children and spouses are the most common abuse victims, but domestic violence can encompass a much larger realm. Many elderly people experience elder abuse by their children or health care workers. This could include causing physical harm, withholding food, neglect or stealing possessions. Another form of abuse is exploitation by someone they should be able to trust, such as a doctor, member of the clergy or teachers. Bullying at school or work is also a form of abuse. If someone is threatening you, causing physical or emotional harm or verbally abusing you, call someone of authority.

4. Why Do People Abuse Others

Abuse could be a learned behavior because the abuser was once a victim of abuse, or parents could have unrealistic expectations of their children, which could lead to abuse. Stress, such as money or work can lead to abuse. Many times, those who abuse others are also substance abusers or they may be suffering from a mental illness, such as depression, personality disorders or anxiety. An abuser may also suffer from a low self-image, which can lead to abuse to make him feel stronger and in control.

5. Punch Abuse in the Nose

No one should tolerate abuse at any level. If you believe you are the victim of abuse, it's important to make a plan to get away and help your abuser get the treatment he needs. Abused adults and children often need long-term psychiatric care in which to recover from the hands of their abuser. If authorities suspect abuse, they may remove children and the elderly from the home. The abuser may benefit from medication as well as psychiatric treatment.