Domestic Abuse

Back to the Violent Crimes Topic List

Emotional Abuse

You are being emotionally abused if someone:

• Ignores your feelings
• Withholds approval, appreciation, or affection as punishment
• Makes all decisions for you
• Embarrasses you with hurtful names and put downs
• Wants to control what you do, who you see, who you talk to, and where you go
• Looks at you or acts in ways that scare you
• Embarrasses you in public and in front of friends
• Ridicules you with lies and contradictions
• Intimidates you with guns, knives or other weapons*
• Threatens to kill you*

*These acts are against the law

Physical Abuse

You are being physically abused if someone:

• Pushes or shoves you
• Slaps or hits you
• Pulls your hair
• Kicks or punches you
• Restrains you with force
• Strangles you
• Throws objects at you

Sexual Abuse

You are being sexually abused and / or harassed if someone:

• Makes demeaning remarks about your gender
• Calls you sexual names that make you feel uncomfortable
• Forces you to take off your clothes
• Forces you to have sex against your will
• Insists you dress more or less provocatively than you want
• Minimizes the importance of your feelings about sex
• Forces you to have sex through intimidation and emotional manipulation

What Do I Do if I'm Worried About My Relationship?

Tell someone you trust. Remember, it is not your fault