What is Abuse?
Domestic abuse is any use of physical or sexual force, actual or threatened, in an intimate relationship, including emotional/psychological abuse or harassing behaviour. It happens in all kinds of families, across all abilities, ages, classes, ethnicities and sexual orientations. Domestic abuse can take many forms, such as:
Physical abuse - pushing, shoving, hitting, slapping, kicking, punching, biting, choking, restraining in any way, threatening with a weapon
Emotional/psychological abuse - name calling, put-downs, insults, blaming, jealousy, possessiveness, isolating you from family or friends, intimidation and threats to harm you, your children, other family members, pets and/or property
Sexual abuse - any unwanted sexual contact, including unwanted kissing, fondling and sexual intercourse (rape), refusing to use condoms or other safer sex methods
Harassment - stalking (repeated unwanted contact), making uninvited visits or calls, following you, checking up on you
Financial abuse - controlling or withholding money, food, physical care, medical services/treatment; making someone depend on you for money, not letting you work
Spiritual abuse - disrespecting your beliefs or religion, stopping you from practicing your faith or religion or from meeting with your faith community.
