Physical
abuse is the most visible form of abuse and most likely (with
sexual abuse) to give rise to criminal charges. Injuries include black
eyes, cut lips, bruising, fractures, deafness, blindness, internal bleeding,
missing teeth, persistent ill health, and death. Injury sites are often
concealed by clothing or hair.It can include slaps, shoves, bites, being
thrown across the room or down the stairs, kicking, stamping, strangulation,
burns and scalds, being attacked with weapons such as knives, household
objects, firearms etc. Physical injuries can be internally as well as
externally.
Sexual
Abuse in an abusive relationship is another form of violence,
control and degradation. It includes rape, sexual assaults (including
with implements), enforced prostitution, enforced sexual practices including
being forced to watch or engage in pornography.
Emotional
abuse is an attack on a victim's personality and well being
and is often described as being worse than physical violence. It may
be referred to as "mind-games". It frequently amounts to the
abuser assuming a tight and unhealthy control of all members of the
family, which may cause them to become increasingly isolated in the
community. Examples include threats of violence to all family members,
constant criticism of the victim saying they are ugly, ignorant or worthless,
using the children as ammunition, family life and mood being dictated
by the abuser's (abuser-centric) continual questioning, humiliation
in public, playing on community and cultural fears Threats may be made
to have the children removed, or there maybe threats to kill or have
the victim deported. A possible threat could be that the abuser will
commit suicide, or that they will actually carry out violence to family
pets etc.
Financial
Abuse is essentially the deprivation of and / or the control
of money whether earned or benefits.An abuser may refuse to pay bills
or prevent the victim from having any control over the family finances.
The abuser may steal money belonging to the victim or children. Essential
services such as gas and electricity may be cut off. The father may
be forced to support the children solely on what he can earn without
assistance or child benefit if this is claimed by the abuser. An abuser
may deliberately spend money on herself or sell the man's possessions
and family furniture.
Psychological
abuse examples include "Jeckyll and Hyde" behaviour,
preventing contact with friends and family, constant belittling and
humiliation, claims that children will be removed if anyone is told
of abuse, controlling behaviours, deliberately enforcing dependency,
constant statements that the victim is mentally ill etc
