Domestic Violence
Domestic violence consists of repeated episodes of violence in a relationship where one partner takes control over the other and adopts behaviours that are harmful to the physical, psychological or emotional wellbeing of the other partner or their children. This situation leads to a power imbalance within the relationship.
Domestic violence can occur in all types of intimate relationships, current or past, and can include violent acts against the victim’s loved ones, their belongings or their pets.
4 Main Types of Violence
Violence in intimate relationships can take many forms. Here are the four main types of violence generally encountered:
Physical violence: Physical violence consists of actions aiming at or resulting in inflicting pain or bodily injuries to the victim.
Examples: punching, pushing, shoving, kicking, strangling, burning, etc.
Sexual violence: Sexual violence consists of an act of abuse perpetrated to subject a person to one’s own sexual desires without that person’s consent.
Examples: unwanted sexual contacts, unwanted sexual touching, sexual intercourse without consent, forcing someone to watch explicit videos, taking intimate photos or videos without consent, etc.
Psychological violence: Psychological violence is a pattern of behaviours used to humiliate or belittle a person, which can result in the destruction of their sense of self-worth.
Examples: extreme jealousy, possessiveness, slurs and insults, humiliation, manipulation, control, isolation of the victim from their family or friends, suicide threats, death threats against the victim or their close ones, destruction of their belongings, threats of hurting the victim’s pet, etc.
Financial violence: This type of abuse consists of causing someone to lose their financial autonomy.
Examples: controlling money, stealing the victim’s money, preventing the victim from entering the job market, coercing the victim to enter the job market and then take their income, etc.
Other Types of Violence
Domestic violence can also take various other forms, including spiritual or religious violence, or cyber-violence. All forms of violence against women and children are unacceptable.
If you’re experiencing violence, know that you’re not alone and that there is a way out. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Need Help?