Different types of abuse and possible related effects
Abuse can differ depending on context. However, the United Nations states that most abuse is a pattern of behavior used to gain or maintain power and control over another individual. Anyone can exhibit abusive behavior toward another person, including family, caregivers, friends, partners, or strangers. However, abuse often occurs in close relationships.
Children, teens, and adults can all experience the adverse impacts of abusive behavior. To understand how abuse can make an impact, it may be beneficial to understand the different types and how they can impact an individual.
Physical abuse
The definition of physical abuse covers intentional acts of aggression that may cause injury or trauma to someone else. Being hit, kicked, or otherwise injured by someone in your life can all be forms of physical abuse. Many survivors may have trouble stopping physical abuse, even if it's noticed and reported by a mediator.
Such abuse can feel overwhelming and be physically damaging, not only to the physical well-being of a person but to their spirit and mental wellness as well. In addition, physical abuse doesn't have to be extensive or constant. Even if it happens only once, it can have long-term impacts. If you're experiencing physical abuse, contact a hotline for support and resources. You're not alone, and staying in the relationship where the abuse occurs can be dangerous.
Symptoms of physical abuse
As with many forms of abuse, survivor accounts are personal and individual. While there can be warning signs or symptoms of physical abuse, no one survivor may experience it in the same way. Understanding this range can help validate survivor experiences.
Warning signs of physical abuse may include:
- Unexplained bruises, broken bones, or other injuries
- Burns or scratches
- Secretive or secluded behavior
- Withdrawn or sullen disposition
- Aggression or outbursts of anger
- Fear of being touched
There may also be other signs, such as a sudden change of behavior in the survivor or inconsistencies in their appearance. For example, a person might be seen wearing clothes that seem inappropriate for the climate, such as long shirts in the middle of summer, in an effort to hide the injuries. Alternatively, some individuals may act more outgoing to hide the abuse or as a defense mechanism to combat the possible experience of internal conflict and stress.
Emotional abuse
Emotional and psychological abuse can be more subtle than physical abuse, resulting in the survivor feeling sad, worthless, or inferior to their peers. Survivors may have difficulty explaining this type of abuse or understanding what it is, as many people aren't educated on the impacts of emotional abuse or don't believe it can occur to them.
The formal definition of emotional abuse can be complicated. Many sources agree that emotional abuse entails one person subjecting another to any behavior or treatment that can result in psychological trauma. If someone uses their language, behavior, or influence to have power or control over you, they might be acting abusively. When these behaviors are repeated and intentional, they may be considered psychological or emotional abuse.
Possible signs of emotional abuse include the following:
- Self-conscious and withdrawn behavior
- Difficulty controlling emotions
- Isolating from friends and family
- Age regressing behaviors
- Anxiety or depression
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Headaches or chronic pain
- Frequent sicknesses, such as colds or the flu
- Apathetic or numb behavior or emotional expression
- Spending all of their time with the person acting abusively
Due to the nature of abuse, there can be many ways that a survivor might act. If you suspect someone you love is experiencing emotional abuse, consider contacting them to check in on them, offering resources if they are interested.
Sexual abuse
If you are experiencing sexual abuse or have experienced assault, note that the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) has a hotline dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing sexual assault, harassment, or intimate partner violence. You can contact them anytime by calling 800-656-HOPE (4673) or using the online chat.
Any undesired sexual behavior directed from one person to another may be considered sexual abuse. Sexual abuse can start anytime and may occur as early as the first few months of life or continue into adulthood. This type of abuse may build up from behaviors like someone providing extra attention to another person or being extremely involved in their lives.
However, these actions and patterns can become a type of "grooming" that the person may use to prepare the survivor for a future escalation of the abuse. Grooming, attention, gifts, or involvement can turn into touching or other sexual acts. As a result, the survivor may feel they invited the behavior, and the person acting abusively may tell them it is their fault. They might use this shame to ask the survivor to stay quiet about what they've experienced.
Sexual abuse can present differently in children and adult survivors. Signs that a child is being sexually abused may include:
- Overt sexual behavior that seems out of place for their age
- Increased withdrawal from social interactions
- Sudden regression or age-inappropriate behaviors
- Extreme feelings of anger or sadness
- Extreme clinginess or feelings of nervousness when separated from adults
- Sudden mood or personality changes
- Unexplained fears of certain people, places, stimuli, or situations
- Bruising or chafing in the genital area
Signs that an adult is being sexually abused may include:
- Pelvic or groin discomfort that can be chronic or acute
- Symptoms or manifestations of anxiety or depressive disorders
- Development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders
- Disturbances of arousal, orgasm, or desire with sexual partners
- Hypersexuality
- Shame or fear about one's own body
- Avoidance of people, places, or situations that remind them of the abuse
- Mood swings or a striking change in mood
- Social withdrawal
Child neglect
The definition of child neglect can vary from state to state on a legal level. However, neglect may occur when caregivers are not providing the resources to meet a child's needs, whether they include adequate food, supervision, emotional support, or educational support.
Types of neglect can include:
- Physical Neglect: Not providing nourishing food or shelter, leaving a child alone for days or weeks, or locking a child in their room
- Medical Neglect: Denying a child adequate healthcare or mental healthcare
- Inadequate Supervision: Long periods without supervision where a child is not capable of caring for themselves or exposed to safety hazards like loaded guns or unsanitary living conditions
- Environmental Neglect: A lack of environmental safety
- Emotional Neglect: Isolation, a lack of affection, emotional abuse, or a lack of love
- Educational Neglect: Ignoring special educational needs, not enrolling a child in school or homeschooling them, or refusing to support a child's academic growth
Rates of child neglect are higher than other types of abuse and can impact all areas of a child's development. The chance for neglect can be higher in families experiencing marital problems, intimate partner violence, single parenthood, or financial issues. Having support and a social community may be helpful in these cases.
What to do if you suspect child abuse
If you believe a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect, you may contact the appropriate human services to report it. Each state has different reporting numbers; you can find your state's information through the Child Welfare Information Gateway. The website provides information that can guide you through the reporting process.
Reporting suspected abuse can pave the way for an investigation to ensure children are in a safe environment, with all their needs being met. Ensure you only report serious and concerning cases and don't report people out of a desire to get revenge on them. Keeping the system full of real cases can ensure children can quickly get the support they need.
The Children's Bureau helps fund investigations and follow-up treatment to help prevent future abuse and neglect.
Who to call when you suspect child abuse
If you believe a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect, you may contact the appropriate human services to report it. Each state has different reporting numbers, and you can find your state’s information here. The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides information that can help to guide you through the reporting process. Doing this can pave the way for an investigation to help ensure children are in a safe environment, with all their needs being met.
The Children’s Bureau helps fund investigations and follow-up treatment to help prevent future abuse and neglect.
Survivors of abuse as adults have resources they can use to self-report or to report on someone’s behalf based on the nature of the abuse. You may use:
- The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Dial 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: Dial 1-800-656-4673
How can online therapy help survivors of abuse?
If you've experienced any type of abuse as a child or an adult and you feel as though it's affecting your life, you may consider using therapeutic services. Licensed therapists and counselors can provide alternative solutions and resources for survivors at every stage of the healing process, offering a listening ear to empower and validate survivor experiences.
However, as a survivor, you may find it difficult to open up to someone new in an unfamiliar environment or space. You may also have difficulty leaving the house and traveling to different locations.
Online therapy can provide you with resources that are able to be obtained from the comfort of your home or any other safe space. You can also reach out to your therapist at any time using in-app messaging for more difficult moments or experiences you may encounter, which you may not be able to do with in-person therapy solutions.
Is online therapy effective for survivors of abuse?
Scientific literature suggests that online therapy can be helpful for those surviving and recovering from any form of abuse. A recent study published in Internet Interventions found that participants of the test group who had experienced trauma and abuse did find success using an online therapy format, suggesting that this type of delivery method could be helpful in environments with limited reach and therapeutic resources.
Counseling for survivors
You may consider therapy if you've experienced any type of abuse as a child or an adult and feel it's affecting your life. Licensed therapists and counselors can provide alternative solutions and resources for survivors at every stage of the healing process, offering a listening ear to empower and validate survivor experiences.
As a survivor, you may find opening up to someone new in an unfamiliar environment or space difficult. You may also have difficulty leaving the house and traveling to different locations. In these cases, online therapy can be beneficial. Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may provide you with resources you can obtain from the comfort of your home or any place with an internet connection. You can also reach out to your therapist anytime using in-app messaging, which you may be unable to do with in-person therapists.
Scientific literature suggests that online therapy can be helpful for those surviving and recovering from abuse. A recent study published in Internet Interventions found that participants of the test group who had experienced trauma and abuse found success using an online therapy format, similar to the results from in-person therapy studies. Other studies have found online therapy more cost-effective, which may benefit those who lack resources after surviving abuse.
Takeaway
What are the 13 types of abuse?
Abuse can manifest in various forms, each of which can have devastating long-term effects on the victims. While there are many different forms and variations of abuse, here are 13 types commonly identified:
- Physical abuse: Involves physical harm, such as hitting, slapping, or causing bodily injury.
- Emotional abuse: Includes manipulation, humiliation, and verbal threats that harm a person's emotional well-being.
- Psychological abuse: Consists of tactics like gaslighting, mind games, and emotional coercion to control and manipulate victims.
- Sexual abuse: Encompasses non-consensual sexual acts or exploitation, including rape and sexual harassment.
- Financial abuse: Involves controlling a person's finances, stealing their money, or preventing availability to financial resources.
- Digital abuse: Occurs in the digital realm, involving harassment, stalking, or cyberbullying through technology.
- Verbal abuse: Includes harsh language, insults, or name-calling meant to degrade or harm someone emotionally.
- Neglect: Failing to provide essential care, such as food, shelter, or medical attention, to dependent individuals.
- Child abuse: Encompasses physical, emotional, or sexual harm to children, often by a parent or caregiver.
- Elder abuse: Similar to child abuse, it involves mistreatment or neglect of elderly individuals, often in care facilities or by family.
- Spiritual abuse: Exploiting someone's beliefs or faith for control or manipulation.
- Cultural or identity-based abuse: Targeting someone based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other aspects of their identity.
- Intimate partner violence: Physical, sexual, or psychological violence perpetrated by a spouse, former partner, or romantic interest.
The effects of abuse can extend beyond the individual to their loved ones and social circles, damaging relationships and creating an atmosphere of fear and mistrust.
Recognizing these forms of abuse is crucial for identifying and addressing harmful situations. While it is important to remember that everyone's experience with abuse can differ, understanding the most common types can help provide much-needed insight into their circumstances.
What are 5 examples of abuse?
To better identify potential abuse, here are five examples of different types of abuse:
- Physical abuse: An adult hitting a child in the face during an argument.
- Emotional abuse: A parent constantly criticizing and belittling their teen daughter's choices and appearance.
- Sexual abuse: An adult pressuring their partner to engage in sexual acts they do not want.
- Financial abuse: An adult partner preventing their partner from getting money or taking control of all their money.
- Digital abuse: A partner cyberstalking an ex-partner and using social media to harass them.
These examples are only a few types of abuse that can occur. Regardless of its form, it's important to recognize that any abuse is damaging and should be addressed immediately to keep those affected safe.
What are the 7 components of abuse?
The concept of abuse is multifaceted, encompassing various components that define its nature and impact. Here are seven key components of abuse:
- Power imbalance: Abuse often involves a significant power imbalance, where the abuser seeks to control and dominate the victim.
- Intentional harm: Abuse is characterized by deliberate actions or behaviors meant to inflict harm, whether physical, emotional, or psychological.
- Violation of boundaries: Abuse frequently involves disregarding personal boundaries, where the victim's autonomy and consent are ignored or violated.
- Repetition: Abuse is typically a pattern of behavior rather than an isolated incident. The behavior often occurs repeatedly over time, intensifying its impact on the victim.
- Manipulation and control: Abusers frequently employ manipulative tactics to control their victims, such as coercion, threats, or gaslighting.
- Harm to well-being: Abuse harms the victim's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, often leading to physical injuries, trauma, or long-term emotional scars.
- Social and legal consequences: Abuse can have profound social and legal repercussions for both the victim and the perpetrator, including legal consequences, damaged relationships, and isolation.
Recognizing these components is crucial for identifying abusive situations and taking steps to address and prevent abuse. Additional factors may apply to your situation, so being mindful of potential warning signs is crucial.
What are the most common types of abuse?
The most common types of abuse can vary depending on the specific circumstances and age groups. In adults, emotional and psychological abuse are prevalent forms of mistreatment. This abuse includes behaviors such as constant criticism, manipulation, verbal threats, and control tactics that harm a person's emotional well-being.
Different types of child abuse also exist. Neglect is the most common type of abuse against children. Neglect occurs when caregivers fail to provide essential care and support, such as adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care, or supervision. Child abuse and neglect can seriously affect a child's physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
Various types of abuse can coexist within the same situation, and their impact can be profound and long-lasting. For example, domestic violence often involves physical abuse, emotional manipulation, and control tactics. For children, parents may subject them to physical or sexual abuse in addition to emotional neglect. Understanding the different abuse components can help identify and address these situations early on.
What are the six most common types of emotional abuse?
Emotional abuse, or psychological abuse, is a harmful form of mistreatment that can leave long-lasting emotional scars on individuals.
Here are six of the most common types of emotional abuse:
- Verbal abuse: Consists of hurtful, demeaning, or derogatory words aimed at belittling or humiliating the victim. Verbal abuse can include name-calling, insults, and constant criticism.
- Gaslighting: This manipulative tactic involves distorting facts, reality, or events to make the victim doubt their perceptions and sanity. Gaslighting can lead to confusion, self-doubt, and feeling emotionally manipulated.
- Isolation: Emotional abusers often isolate their victims from friends and family, creating a sense of dependency and loneliness. This isolation can lead to feelings of helplessness and social withdrawal.
- Withholding affection: Emotional abusers may withhold love, affection, or emotional support as a means of control, leaving the victim feeling unloved and unworthy.
- Threats and intimidation: Threatening physical harm, making aggressive gestures, or using fear to control the victim's behavior can cause anxiety, fear, and emotional distress.
- Ignoring or neglecting: Emotional abusers may intentionally ignore the victim's needs, emotions, or pleas for attention, causing feelings of rejection, loneliness, and worthlessness.
The effects of emotional abuse can be far-reaching, impacting an individual's mental health, self-esteem, and sense of safety. For adults, it can lead to various mental health issues like depression, PTSD, or anxiety. Emotional child abuse, particularly of a young child, can be especially damaging during critical developmental stages.
What are the 4 types of childhood trauma?
Childhood trauma can have profound and lasting impacts on a child's life, affecting their emotional and psychological well-being. There are four primary types of childhood trauma:
- Abuse: Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse can seriously affect a child's development and mental health. Children who experience abuse are at risk for developing anxiety, depression, PTSD, low self-esteem, and other issues. Child sexual abuse can also lead to difficulties forming healthy relationships and challenges with intimacy later in life.
- Neglect: Failing to provide essential care or supervision in childhood can lead to attachment issues, physical health problems, developmental delays, and emotional difficulties.
- Household dysfunction: Living in a chaotic or unhealthy environment can have a lasting impact on children, leading to insecurity, anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming healthy relationships.
- Witnessing violence: Experiencing or witnessing violence can cause intense fear and distress that may manifest as physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and long-term psychological issues.
Understanding the different types of childhood maltreatment and trauma can help recognize and address potential risks to children's emotional and physical health. Early intervention can help reduce the impact of trauma, providing children with the support they need to heal.
While some kids may exhibit external signs of abuse, other children may internalize their feelings and show more subtle signs such as withdrawal, irritability, or changes in behavior. Education is key when it comes to preventative measures. By understanding the risks associated with various types of abuse and neglect, adults can help identify potential signs of abuse and assist those in need.
The Children's Bureau (CB) is an organization that provides resources and support to families, children, and communities affected by child abuse and neglect. The CB works with various organizations to promote public awareness of the issue and increase prevention efforts. They also provide information on intervention strategies for those with trauma-related illnesses and difficulties.
What are the 4 main types of violence?
Violence is a major public health issue with long-lasting physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. This behavior can take on many forms. However, there are generally four main types of violence that individuals may experience:
- Physical violence: Any unwanted physical contact or force resulting in injury or harm, including hitting, kicking, and sexual assault.
- Psychological violence: A type of emotional abuse that involves verbal threats, humiliation, isolation, and manipulation to control the victim.
- Sexual violence: Any unwanted sexual activity or contact, including sexual harassment and rape.
- Financial violence: Any attempt to control the victim's availability to economic resources or financial autonomy, such as through withholding funds or pressuring the victim into signing documents.
Violence does not need to be physical to cause harm. Other types of violence can be as damaging, leaving individuals feeling isolated, powerless, and traumatized. The National Center for Victims of Crime provides resources and support to those affected by violence, focusing on empowering victims to make safe and informed decisions.
What are 10 effects of abuse?
Abuse, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, can have profound and far-reaching effects on individuals. Here are some of the most common effects of abuse:
- Emotional distress: Victims often experience intense emotions, including anxiety, depression, anger, and fear.
- Low self-esteem: Abuse can erode a person's self-worth, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
- Post-traumatic stress: Many survivors of abuse develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which may include flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.
- Physical health problems: Physical abuse can result in injuries, chronic pain, and long-term health issues.
- Social isolation: Victims may withdraw from social relationships and activities due to shame or fear, leading to social isolation.
- Difficulty trusting: Abuse can make it challenging for individuals to trust others, affecting their relationships and ability to form healthy connections.
- Substance abuse: Some emotionally abused individuals turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism to numb emotional pain.
- Eating disorders: The emotional turmoil caused by abuse can contribute to the development of eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia.
- Self-harming behaviors: Some individuals engage in self-harming behaviors like cutting or burning to cope with emotional pain.
- Cycle of abuse: Victims of abuse may perpetuate the cycle by becoming abusers or entering into abusive relationships.
Healing from abuse often requires professional therapy, counseling, and a strong support system to help individuals regain their emotional and psychological well-being. Online therapy can provide a safe space for survivors to work through their trauma and begin the process of healing.
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