Abuse
No one deserves abuse. If someone is abusing you, you could have serious physical or emotional effects. There is help, and there are safe ways to protect yourself. Ask your health care provider about resources.
What is abuse?
Abuse is any behaviour used to control another person’s actions. It can affect your thoughts or emotions; it can also be physical or even 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 to 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 unwanted sexual activity, threats of violence, or sexual activity without your consent.
Financial abuse – not allowing you to keep your pay cheque, not allowing you to work, controlling the money you can spend, stealing money from you.
Ritualistic abuse – abuse based on a belief system. May involve rituals that include physical, emotional or sexual abuse of children or non-consenting adults. May include some form of worship or practice.
For more information on healthy relationships, click here.
