a guide to supporting children exposed to domestic violence

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What is abuse
THIS CHAPTER LOOKS AT
what abuse is
how the abuser wants power and control
when abuse is a crime
how the abuse has an impact on children
Types of abuse
The majority of cases of violence within relationships are committed by men
against women. For this reason, it is often called “woman abuse.”
Many people think that “abuse” or “violence” means physical abuse or threats of
hurting someone, or sexual abuse. In fact, abuse by a partner can include other
forms of abuse, such as emotional or psychological abuse, verbal abuse, and
financial abuse.
EMOTIONAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE
• hurting pets, damaging property
• using children to hurt or control you
• playing mind games, giving you the silent treatment, using jealousy, sarcasm,
and threats
• making humiliating comments about your culture, religious beliefs, level of
education, or disability
• being extremely possessive; refusing to let you see friends or relatives
• threatening to withdraw sponsorship or to get you deported
VERBAL ABUSE
• swearing, yelling
• using put-downs; name-calling
FINANCIAL ABUSE
• hiding money
HELPING MY CHILD A GUIDE TO SUPPORTING CHILDREN EXPOSED TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 8