What comes to your mind when you hear the words “domestic violence”? Most people immediately think of harmful physical behaviors—slapping, shoving, hair pulling, punching and the list goes on. However, domestic violence goes way beyond physical abuse.
Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse happens when your spouse or partner goes out of their way to damage your confidence and self-worth. They make insults and criticisms that aim to undermine or belittle your abilities. Victims of emotional abuse may experience:
- Name-calling
- Humiliation
- Spouse withholding affection
Psychological abuse
Psychological abuse is like the next level of emotional abuse. Rather than just attacking your self-worth, your partner may use manipulative behaviors and tactics to cause fear and diminish your sense of self. Examples of psychological abuse may include:
- Intimidation
- Forced isolation
- Threatening physical harm to themselves or a loved one
Economic or financial abuse
Domestic violence may also come in the form of excessive control over money and other economic resources. After all, not having any financial resources makes it significantly harder to take yourself out of an abusive situation and seek help. Financial abuse may come in the form of:
- Restricting access to money and other assets
- Using your personal accounts or assets unfairly
- Exploiting powers of attorney
Sexual abuse
Marriage does not automatically mean giving blanket consent on all sexual activities. Your spouse may force you into sexual situations you do not want—this counts as domestic violence. Sexual abuse situations include:
- Marital rape
- Physical attacks on intimate body parts
- Manipulation to perform sexual acts
Technological abuse
The digital age adds a new layer of abuse in domestic violence cases. Most domestic violence victims experience harassment, threats, and monitoring through technology. One report in 2019 found that 71% of domestic abusers monitor their partners’ phone or similar devices. Other examples of technological abuse are:
- Online stalking and excessive location tracking
- Unwelcome and repeated phone calls or messages
- Social media harassment
Recognize mistreatment and seek help
It is crucial to understand that domestic violence goes beyond physical dynamics. When you recognize mistreatment in your domestic life, you are taking the first step towards freeing yourself from your abusive situation.
If you are experiencing any form of domestic violence, know that you are not alone. Legal professionals are here to help you protect yourself and live the safe and peaceful life you deserve.
