Types of abuse

Abuse is when someone causes us harm or distress.  

Abuse can take many forms: 

Physical 

• Any use of force that causes pain or injury, such as hitting, kicking, or slapping.

Sexual 

• Abuse can include sexual harassment, sexual assault, or manipulating a person into having sex by using guilt or threats.

Emotional or verbal 

• Constant criticism, threatening to hurt loved ones, or harassment at school or in the workplace

Economic

• Controlling a person’s income or financial assistance, misusing one’s credit, or making it difficult for a person to get or maintain a job 

Psychological 

• Minimizing or blaming a person for the abuse, intimidation, and/or threats or destroying property

Neglect

• Occurs when a child or teen doesn't have adequate food, housing, clothes, medical care, or supervision.

Digital abuse

• Use of digital technologies such as social media to harass, stalk and intimidate a partner or other people. 

Stalking

• Occurs when someone watches, follows, or harasses you repeatedly, making you feel afraid or unsafe.

What might I be feeling if I am being abused?

If you are being abused you might have different emotions. If you feel this way it is important to seek help. You might feel:

• Confused
• Embarrassed
• Scared or worried
• Guilty or ashamed
• Depressed
• Like hurting yourself
• Lonely
• Isolated from others

Who can you talk to if I am being abused

• Parent
• Adult relative
• Adult friend
• Teacher
• Youth worker
• A psychologist or Social Worker
• School counselor
• Doctor or nurse