It is very hard to pinpoint the exact pattern of abuse in a relationship and why people abuse others. There are five main types of abuse that we can look at and understand as a way to understand the pattern behind them
In any relationship, there is always a degree of trust involved. Even if you don’t know your partner well and may not be on the same page about life outside the home, you must still have some level of trust—even if just a tiny bit.
If you don’t trust your partner, your relationship will most likely suffer from it. Abusers use their power over others to isolate you from friends and family members who may be able to help you see the truth in what’s happening.
They convince others that they are justified in their actions because they only protect themselves or their loved ones from harm.
Abusers take advantage of these situations to hurt and control their victims. Some forms of abuse in relationships include financial abuse, emotional or verbal abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and spiritual or religious abuse.
Financial Abuse In Relationships.
Financial abuse is one of the most common areas of abuse in relationships. It can happen in all aspects of a relationship, especially when a victim knows their partner has more money than them.
It includes withholding financial support, creating a false sense of debt, or using money as an emotional weapon.
For example, if you were dating someone repeatedly late with the rent payment and then suddenly stopped paying the rent, they were likely to be financially abusing you.
If they consistently called you names or told you that you were terrible because you didn’t do something they wanted without offering any reasonable explanation, that would be emotional abuse.
Not only are these actions abusive, but they are also illegal because they are considered assault or battery crimes.
Emotional Or Verbal Abuse.
Emotional or verbal abuse is when your partner uses emotional or verbal tactics to hurt you.
They might use name-calling, put-downs, shaming, and threatening statements to manipulate you into believing that you are less than them.
They might also use guilt to get what they want from you without considering your feelings.
Let’s say your partner yells at you during an argument and tells you that they will leave the relationship if you don’t do what they want.
This would be an example of emotional abuse because it forces the victim’s emotions against their will.
Emotional abuse can make someone feel completely alone and helpless because it takes away their autonomy.
It is hard for someone to stand up for themselves if they are constantly being told that they have no worth.
Physical Abuse.
The first type of abuse that comes to mind is physical abuse.
Physical abuse refers to the deliberate inhumane treatment of another that results in physical harm or injury. It could be anything from slapping and pushing to more serious assaults such as choking or breaking bones.
Physical violence is typically the result of domestic violence and occur in all sorts of relationships that includes parents and their children, spouses and even partners in romantic relationships.
Many people are unaware of the signs of physical abuse happening in relationships.
They may not know how to identify these behaviors and instead believe it’s self-defense, or they’re too afraid to talk about it because they fear being judged – or worse, their partner might retaliate.
Sexual Abuse.
Sexual abuse is one of the most common forms of abuse in a relationship. It’s defined as unwanted and non-consensual touching and sexual activity with another person.
Sexual abuse can be physical or psychological, but it all comes down to whether or not you are giving consent.
In other words, if your partner is forcing themselves on you sexually, then it’s sexual abuse. If they are being condescended or degrading when they initiate sexual contact with you, that is also sexual abuse.
Spiritual or Religious Abuse.
This form of abuse is often overlooked or dismissed in a relationship, but it can be just as damaging and dangerous. Yes, I am referring to spiritual or religious abuse.
Spiritual abuse is a term that is used to describe the mistreatment of a person from a spiritual perspective. This can include things like manipulation, control, and other forms of exploitation and abuse
Many people neglect this kind of abuse because they don’t understand its impact on the victim.
But whether it’s through intimidation, manipulation, or even threats of violence, spiritual or religious abuse can be terrifying and harmful to individuals who may not have the same social standing in their family or community as the abuser.
Spiritual or religious abusers can use their positions of power to dictate what their victims are allowed to think, say, and do with little regard for their well-being.
They make their victims feel small and insignificant by taking away things that make them feel good about themselves.
- Like friendships with others in the religious community,
- Time with other family members,
- Time with friends outside the religious group,
- Time on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram—anything that gives them a sense of personal identity and worthiness.
Summing Up.
As you can see, the Different Forms of Abuse in a Relationship are many different forms of abuse.
The goal of an abuser is to ensure that their victim feels powerless and unable to escape.
They want their victim to feel like they have nowhere else to turn and need them for everything.
This makes it difficult for the victim to leave or even think about leaving, despite the warning signs.
Remember that while some forms of abuse may be more dangerous, it’s always best to leave if you don’t feel safe, happy, or loved.
One thing to remember is that help is available, and I advise you to speak to a friend or family member should you find yourself in any of the above-mentioned abuses.