What is Abuse?
Abuse in a dating relationship is defined as a range of physical assaults, emotional maltreatment, and/or the threat of harm. Abuse can range from name calling and sexual jokes to throwing objects, pushing/shoving. Abuse can also include more serious violent acts such as battering, rape, and use of weapons.
Types of Abuse:
Physical Violence - any act or behavior that causes or intends to cause bodily harm, including hitting, punching, slapping, biting or kicking.
Verbal and Emotional Abuse - an attempt to destroy a person’s sense of worth or self-esteem, including name calling, jealous behavior, restricting a partner’s social life or scaring away friends and family, or humiliating a partner.
Sexual Abuse – any sexual activity forced upon a person without his/her consent.