There are many different types of abusive relationships. The abuser can be a man or a woman, and even in some frightening instances, children. The types of abuse also varies, ranging from physical, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse. Because there are so many different forms of abusive relationships, it is important that you know and understand the different types so that you can better protect yourself against becoming a victim. The most well known form of abuse is physical abuse. When someone speaks of abuse, this is the type that they typically mean. In its most simple form, physical abuse uses violence to intimidate or dominate another person, causing them physical injury and harm. Domestic violence is physical abuse taken to extremes. There are thousands of deaths related to physical abuse around the world each year. Sexual abuse, sexual assault, or rape, is another form of frightening physical abuse. Women are usually the victims of this abuse. It is estimated that one in four women are raped or assaulted in their lifetime. Verbal and emotional abuse are typically grouped together. Verbal abuse tends to focus on all abuse that is spoken. Shouting, criticism, and other degrading speech are forms of verbal abuse. Verbal abuse is a form of emotional abuse, and is typically found in all abusive relationships. Verbal abuse is typically the first type of repeated abuse encountered by the abused. Emotional abuse is the hardest to classify, as all forms of abuse do emotional harm. However, emotional abuse tends to cover all types of abuses that do not fit into the categories of physical, sexual or verbal. Abuse has many consequences, ranging from severe depression, lowered self esteem, destroyed confidence, shame and suicide. Many people who are abused are afraid to ask for help, as they fear what people will think of them. If you suspect someone is being abused, you should try to find out more about the situation and see if the person being abused wants your help. If you are the one being abused, you need to act and reach out for help from a trusted person. There is no shame in having been abused, and you can change your situation. If you are being assaulted, contact the police. If you are not willing to go to the police, go to friends and loved ones for help and support. If you do not know what to do, there are hot lines you can call, support groups, and reading material that can assist with this difficult problem. Please call 911 if you are in immediate danger or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) if you need to talk to someone.
Dr. Tamika Anderson is an author, speaker, and Founder of Connextion Works, LLC. Dr. Tamika is a survivor of 20 years of Domestic Violence and Abuse. Inspired by her own Domestic Violence experience, Dr. Tamika’s work aims to empower women and survivors of domestic violence through speaking, coaching, and mentoring. Dr. Tamika’s dedication to helping women inspired her to write the #1 International Best-Selling book, Speak Up & Get Out: A Guide to Survive & Thrive from the Devastation of Domestic Violence. To learn more please visit: www.TamikaAnderson.com/Media