Abuse is a sensitive and often difficult topic to discuss with another person. It can bring up feelings of anxiety, guilt, shame, regret, and anger. However, one of the first steps towards healing from abuse is speaking up about it. You or a loved one may be dealing with the painful effects of current or past abuse. You or someone you love may want to change abusive behaviors. Regardless of what situation you find yourself in, the hurt you feel is valid and deeply impactful.
Often when we think of abuse, we imagine physical assault in which contact from one person to another is made. However, what some people do not realize is that abuse can be mental, emotional, verbal, psychological, financial, and sexual. Some examples of non-physical abuse may include:
- Calling you names or putting you down
- Yelling or screaming at you
- Preventing you from seeing or communicating with friends or family
- Damaging your property (throwing objects, punching walls, kicking doors, etc.)
- Using control, intimidation, or humiliation
- Gaslighting
- Monitoring what you buy
- Refusing to provide you with money, food, rent, medicine, or clothing
- Using funds without your knowledge
- Giving you presents or paying for things with the expectation of something in return
- Using financial circumstances to control you