Types of DV

Abuse in relationships can take many forms and ranges from physical attacks to emotional abuse. Whatever its form, violence has its roots in distorted power relations. Abusive behaviours could include:

Fear

Fear is a key element in domestic and family violence and is often the most powerful way a perpetrator controls their victim. Fear can be created by looks, gestures, possession of weapons (even when they may not have been used), destruction of property, cruelty to pets – or any behaviour which can be used to intimidate and render the other person powerless.

Verbal Abuse

Verbal Abuse includes screaming, shouting, put-downs, name-calling, sarcasm, ridiculing the victim for their religious beliefs or ethnic background.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional Abuse Abusing the victim by deliberately undermining their confidence, leading them to believe they are insane, stupid, ‘a bad mother’ or useless. This type of abuse humiliates, degrades and demeans the victim. Threats include those to harm them or someone else, threats to take the children, to commit suicide. Behaviour can include silence and withdrawal.

Economic Abuse

Economic Abuse Domestic and family violence can include economic abuse which results in the victim being financially dependent on their partner or family member. The victim may be denied access to money, including their own, demanding that they live on inadequate resources. These can be contributing factors for women becoming ‘trapped’ in violent relationships.

Controlling Behaviours

Controlling Behaviours Controlling what the victim does, who they see and talk to, where they go, keeping them from making any friends, talking to family, or having any money. Preventing the victim from going to work, not allowing them to express their own feelings or thoughts, not allowing  any privacy, forcing them to go without food or water. Not allowing cultural, religious or personal freedom. Controlling behaviours are often linked to jealousy.