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Types of Abuse

Verbal Abuse

Behaviour that causes harm with words.
 

How it works: Name calling, insults, public humiliation, yelling.

Early Warning Signs: Teasing that includes insults.

Psychological and Emotional Abuse

Behaviour intended to cause psychological or emotional distress.
 

How it works: Threats, intimidations, put-downs, jealousy, possessiveness, isolating a person from their family and friends, destroying gifts, clothing, or letters or damaging a car, home, or possessions.

Early Warning Signs: Pouting when you spend time with your friends, threatening to leave you in an unsafe location, trying to control what you do.

Physical Abuse

Behaviours that inflict harm on a person.
 

How it works: Slapping, hitting, shoving, grabbing, hair pulling, biting, throwing objects

Early Warning Signs: Going into a rage when disappointed or frustrated, teasing, tripping, pushing, threatening to injure.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual advances that make a person feel uncomfortable, sexual behaviour that is unwanted..
 

How it works: Insisting, physically or verbally, that a person who has said "no" to have sex anyway, forced sex.

Early Warning Signs: Using emotional blackmail to talk you into having sex ("If you loved me you would..." 

Get Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, contact us. We can help. 

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