March 26, 2025
Dear Survivor,
Abuse can take many forms, and recognizing the different types is a crucial step toward prevention and healing. The Types of Abuse worksheet is a tool designed to shed light on these patterns, helping individuals understand the many ways abuse can manifest in relationships. It’s so much more than being hit or punched. Below, we’ll walk through the key types of abuse outlined in this framework.
- Physical Abuse This includes acts like hitting, spitting, throwing objects, or making physical threats. It’s often the most visibly recognized form of abuse.
- Sexual Abuse Continued pressure, coercion, or assault within a relationship falls into this category. This may also include betrayal through infidelity, such as intentionally transmitting STIs.
- Financial Abuse One partner may control or hide finances, make unauthorized charges, or even jeopardize the other’s job to enforce power and dependency.
- Isolation Restricting access to friends or family, controlling social interactions, or using jealousy as a weapon creates a cycle of isolation and control.
- Children Abusers may manipulate children as a means of control. This includes undermining parenting, using children as leverage, or threatening their safety.
- Controlling Behaviors Gaslighting, intimidation, manipulation, and other tactics are used to erode confidence and maintain dominance.
- Digital Abuse With the rise of technology, abuse has extended into the digital space through monitoring, cyberbullying, stalking, and other forms of online exploitation.
- Emotional Abuse Weaponized information, verbal degradation, and feeding insecurities create an environment of mental and emotional instability for the victim.
The Types of Abuse worksheet highlights not only the distinct forms of abuse but also the interconnectedness of these tactics. Awareness is the first step toward breaking the cycle.
If this resonates with you or someone you know, take action. Download my Types of Abuse Worksheet to explore this tool further and empower yourself with knowledge. You can access it by visiting https://www.catrinalpcs.com/types-of-abuse-worksheet.
Resources for Abuse Survivors
No one should face abuse alone. Here are some trusted resources that can provide the support, information, and guidance you or a loved one may need:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 Confidential support and help are available 24/7.
- The Hotline: www.thehotline.org Access resources, safety planning, and live chat assistance online.
- Childhelp USA: 1-800-422-4453 Dedicated to helping children affected by abuse.
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800-656-HOPE The nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization offering confidential support through its hotline.
Remember, understanding is power, and no one should endure abuse. Help and resources are available.
Warmly,