Types of DV

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse can be indicated when the batterer:

• Scratches, bites, grabs or hits
• Shakes, shoves, or slaps
• Strangles or restrains partner
• Confines partner
• Withholds food as punishment
• Throws objects at partner
• Refuses to help when partner is sick
• Withholds medication or treatment
• Attacks partner with weapons
• Murders partner

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can be indicated when the batterer:

• Calls partner sexual names
• Accuses partner of promiscuity
• Pressures partner to have sex
• Withholds sex as punishment
• Forces sexual acts by manipulation
• Rapes partner
• Inflicts injuries that are sex-specific
• Denies contraception or protection
• Coerces partner into sexual acts that are uncomfortable or degrading

Psychological Abuse

Psychological abuse can be indicated when the batterer:

• Verbally abuses partner
• Plays mental mind games to manipulate
• Ignores partner’s feelings
• Attacks partner’s vulnerabilities
• Withholds affection as punishment
• Threatens to leave partner
• Stalks partner

Economic Abuse

Economic abuse can be indicated when the batterer:

• Controls partner’s finances
• Denies partner’s financial means
• Ruins partner’s credit rating
• Refuses to allow partner to pursue employment or education