Recognizing and Understanding Abuse in Relationships: Signs and Types

Physical abuse:

- Bruises, cuts, or other injuries on the face, neck, arms, or legs

- Sprains or broken bones

- Dislocated joints

- Head, eye, or dental injuries

- Internal injuries

- Burns or other thermal injuries

- Strangulation or choking

Sexual abuse:

- Unwanted sexual contact, including intercourse, oral sex, or anal sex

- Attempted sexual contact

- Sexual coercion

- Incest

- Child sexual abuse

Emotional abuse:

- Putting the victim down, making them feel worthless or unlovable

- Isolating the victim from friends and family

- Controlling the victim's finances

- Humiliating or threatening the victim

- Making the victim feel guilty or responsible for the abuse

Economic abuse:

- Controlling the victim's access to money

- Preventing the victim from getting or keeping a job

- Taking the victim's money or belongings

- Forcing the victim to pay for the abuser's expenses

- Denying the victim basic necessities

Digital abuse:

- Sending the victim abusive or threatening text messages, emails, or social media posts

- Posting or sharing private or compromising photos or videos of the victim

- Tracking the victim's location or online activity

- Creating fake online profiles in the victim's name

- Impersonating the victim online