Types of Abuse

Physical abuse is defined as any attempt to hurt or frighten one's partner with physical force, while emotional abuse includes any attempt to put one's partner down or make the partner feel unworthy. Other forms of abuse include:

• Isolation and restricting freedom
  
  
• Intimidation
  
  
• Sexual abuse
  
  
• Emotional and verbal abuse
  
  
• The use of male privilege
  
  
• In same sex relationships, threats of "outing" to family, friends and/or co-workers

All of these involve the abuser forcing his/her partner to be dependent; thus lowering the person's own personal power and self-esteem.