TYPES OF ABUSE
Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, race, religion or sexuality, yet the problem is often
overlooked, excused, or denied. This is especially true when the abuse is verbal,
psychological and/ or financial, rather than physical/sexual. Noticing and acknowledging the signs of an
abusive relationship is the first step to ending it. No one should live in fear
of the person they love. If you recognize yourself or someone you know in the
following warning signs and descriptions of abuse, reach out. There is help available.
overlooked, excused, or denied. This is especially true when the abuse is verbal,
psychological and/ or financial, rather than physical/sexual. Noticing and acknowledging the signs of an
abusive relationship is the first step to ending it. No one should live in fear
of the person they love. If you recognize yourself or someone you know in the
following warning signs and descriptions of abuse, reach out. There is help available.
Verbal
|
Emotional Abuse
|
Physical
|
Financial
|
Sexual Abuse
|
CYCLES OF INTIMATE PARTNER ABUSE

The cycle of violence in domestic abuse
Domestic abuse falls into a common pattern, or cycle of violence:
Your abuser’s apologies and loving gestures in between the episodes of abuse
can make it difficult to leave. He may make you believe that you are the only
person who can help him, that things will be different this time, and that he
truly loves you. However, the dangers of staying are very real.
(provided By Helpguide.org)
Domestic abuse falls into a common pattern, or cycle of violence:
- Abuse
– Your abusive partner lashes out with aggressive, belittling, or violent
behavior. The abuse is a power play designed to show you "who is boss." - Guilt – After abusing you, your partner feels guilt, but
not over what he's done. He’s more worried about the possibility of being caught
and facing consequences for his abusive behavior. - Excuses – Your
abuser rationalizes what he or she has done. The person may come up with a
string of excuses or blame you for the abusive
behavior—anything to avoid taking responsibility. - "Normal" behavior — The abuser does everything he can to
regain control and keep the victim in the relationship. He may act as if nothing
has happened, or he may turn on the charm. This peaceful honeymoon phase may
give the victim hope that the abuser has really changed this time. - Fantasy and planning – Your abuser begins to fantasize
about abusing you again. He spends a lot of time thinking about what you’ve done
wrong and how he'll make you pay. Then he makes a plan for turning the fantasy
of abuse into reality. - Set-up – Your abuser sets you up and puts his plan in
motion, creating a situation where he can justify abusing you.
Your abuser’s apologies and loving gestures in between the episodes of abuse
can make it difficult to leave. He may make you believe that you are the only
person who can help him, that things will be different this time, and that he
truly loves you. However, the dangers of staying are very real.
(provided By Helpguide.org)
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