Violence against women

Sexual assault
Learn about rape trauma syndrome, date rape, and the impact of rape on relationships

Domestic violence
Learn why it happens and how to get help.

Child sexual abuse/incest
Learn how to spot child sexual abuse and how to report it.

Domestic violence

Types of abuse

Abuse is a pattern of behavior in which physical violence and/or emotional coercion is/are used to gain and maintain power or control in a relationship. Abuse may be continuous, or it may be a single incident of assault. Abuse may be physical, sexual, psychological/emotional, or ecomonomic. It can include threats, the destruction of property, and/or stalking/harassing behavior. The following are examples of abuse:

Type of Abuse	Examples
Physical	Hitting, punching, slapping Kicking Choking Biting Burning Shoving Using objects or weapons Locking up or confining Interfering with sleeping or eating Restricting the mobility or access of a differently abled partner
Sexual	Forcing sexual acts Sexual assault with or without weapons or objects used as weapons Assault for refusal to engage in sexual activity
Psychological or emotional	Repetitive and excessive criticism Humiliation and degradation, which can include swearing, name calling and put-downs Restricting or controlling access to personal or social resources or friends Homophobic, racist, misogynistic attacks (degrading and hostile remarks about your sexual orientation, heritage, or gender) Threats or harm to pets
Threats	Direct intentions to harm you, your family, or your friends Threats that affect child custody, legal, immigration, or sponsorship status Threats to reveal lesbian identity against your wishes
Economic	Controlling finances Stealing money Creating debt Interfering with employment or education
Destruction of property	Destruction of property or personal items
Stalking/harassing behavior	Following Appearing unexpectedly at or waiting outside workplace or home Repeated phone calls or mail/email to victim and/or family, friends, or colleagues

Domestic violence