What defines an abusive relationship?
Abuse in relationships can come in many different forms. Sometimes physical abuse is thought to be the only type of abuse in relationships. This is often because it is a form of abuse we can visually see. Here are different types of abuse one can experience:
Physical Abuse: is when an abuser uses physical force against you which causes harm or could cause you harm. Physical abuse can include kicking, punching, pushing/shoving you, throwing things, using weapons against you and physically restraining you.
Financial Abuse: is when an abuser restricts a person’s access and ability to use money, to maintain an income and controls other monetary resources. Financial abuse can look like someone controlling your income or pay and not allowing you access, building up a debt in your name, controlling how you use your income and restricting your access to a phone or a car.
Sexual Abuse: is non-consensual sexual behaviour that causes you to feel scared, uneasy or threatened. This includes inappropriate touching, rape, exposure to sexual acts or pornographic material and unsolicited nude pictures.
Verbal Abuse: includes an abuser using words to demean, threaten, control and frighten you. This includes someone using words to purposely embarrass you, excessively yell at you, harass you, and purposely say things to put you down.
Emotional Abuse: can also be called psychological abuse and encompasses anything a person does on purpose to weaken you mentally and emotionally, often resulting in psychological trauma. This can include gaslighting, neglect, possessiveness, nasty comments and controlling behaviour. Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse. Gaslighting is a manipulation technique used to make a person think they are crazy and that they are the problem. Gaslighting often leaves the abusee confused and questioning their memory of events and their thoughts on things.
Abuse in relationships is never okay. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship it is important to know there are supports and help out there. Listed below are some helplines and websites that may be of use. If you feel triggered by this post or are wanting support, feel free to contact us on 8838-8687 or book an appointment online and come in to see one of our friendly Psychologists. If you are in immediate danger please call 000.
Hotlines to call:
- 1800RESPECT -
- Safe Steps Victoria: 1800 015 188