Understanding the Various Forms of Abuse in Intimate Partner Relationships

Are you in an abusive relationship? Intimate partner violence is quite common yet not everyone sees it. This kind of domestic violence isn't always physical — it can happen in numerous ways without the victims even knowing that they are experiencing it. 

Since most cases of domestic violence often go unreported, many victims continue to live with the scars caused by their tormentors, making it increasingly difficult to know the severity of the problem countrywide.

Knowing the various forms of domestic violence is the first step. Check out a few common types of abuse you may suffer in the hands of your intimate partner.

Physical Abuse

This is one of the most common forms of abuse you may experience. It occurs when your partner causes you bodily harm, prevents you from leaving the house or deprives you of food, water and medicine, which are vital for human survival. 

If you have sustained an injury or become sick as a result of your partner's actions, you should seek immediate medical attention and then consult a domestic violence lawyer for help. 

Emotional Abuse

Is your partner blackmailing you into doing what they want? Intimate partner relationships can sometimes go south, making one partner use what they know about their partner against them. In some cases, your partner may look down on you as a way of killing your confidence and sense of self-worth.

Emotional abuse can be just as dangerous as physical abuse. In fact, it can be worse because it can linger in the heart and mind forever. Don't let your partner put you down when they are supposed to be doing everything they can to make you happy.

Verbal Abuse

Does your partner say horrible things to you in front of your children, in front of friends or in public with the intention of hurting you? Do they constantly want to put you down with their words? No one should humiliate you, whether in private or public. Verbal abuse is a form of domestic violence that many people overlook easily.

Financial Abuse

Does your partner use your credit cards without asking you? Do they control all your purchases and expenditures? Do they make all the important financial decisions without consulting you?

Being sidelined from making critical financial decisions is also a form of partner abuse.

Sexual Assault

Sex between two adults should always be consensual. Sadly, some partners don't know that coercive sex is a form of domestic violence. They end up engaging in unwanted sex simply because they don't want to upset or lose their partner.

If your partner forces you to engage in sexual acts unwillingly, you should get them charged for domestic violence.

If you have experienced one or more of these forms of intimate partner violence, you should consult a domestic violence lawyer to determine the best legal remedy available for your situation.

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