What is abuse?
Abuse is any behaviour used to control another person. It can affect your thoughts or emotions, present a significant threat to your physical safety, and even be dangerous to your life.
Abuse can take many forms:
Physical abuse – includes pushing, shaking, hitting, shoving, choking, punching or restraining you. Any physical contact that leads to pain (soreness, discomfort), injury (bruises, bleeding) or impairment (limping, hard to speak or eat).
Emotional abuse – includes name calling, shouting, constant criticism, refusing to talk with you or limiting your contact with friends or family. May include threats to hurt or kill you, your children, a pet or someone in your extended family (like a sibling, cousin or grandparent). A partner may act overly jealous or accuse you of cheating (infidelity).
Sexual abuse – includes any sexual coercion, sexual activity without consent, degrading sexual activities, or violence or aggression during sexual activities.
Financial abuse – not allowing you to keep your pay cheque, not allowing you to work, controlling the money you can spend, or stealing money from you.
For help determining if your relationship is healthy, unhealthy, or abusive, click here.
