Domestic violence occurs when one partner abuses the other. There are many reasons for the behavior. One motive is to gain control over one’s partner. Domestic violence has different levels of severity. There are also differences in how often it can occur. It may happen in any type of relationship. It can impact family, friends, and others. Domestic violence is also known as intimate partner violence, spousal abuse, and domestic abuse.
It is possible to stop domestic violence or recover from it if you are a survivor. Staying in an abusive situation can have negative long-term effects. But recovery is possible.
WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
Physical violence is only one form of intimate partner violence. An aggressive partner can use many tactics to manipulate and control. Types of domestic violence include:
Physical abuse. Hitting, shoving, kicking, choking, biting, or hair-pulling. This could also include forced ingestion of drugs or alcohol.
Sexual violence. Forced or coerced sex acts, rape, or sexually demeaning treatment.
Emotional abuse. Put-downs, name-calling, blaming, or criticism. This includes other efforts to diminish a person’s self-worth.
Psychological abuse. Threats of violence toward a partner, family member, pets, or friends. This may include keeping a partner from socializing or going to work or school. Threatening suicide or self-harm to control is another form of this abuse.
Financial abuse. Controlling a partner’s finances. This includes restricting access to financial resources.
Therapy can help those who experienced abuse work with these issues. Therapists may help abuse survivors learn to manage the effects of abuse. In therapy, healing from the trauma of abuse may occur.