The Different Forms of Abuse
Abuse does not always look the same, and it is not always easy to recognize. This page explains the different forms abuse can take and how patterns of power and control may show up in relationships, situations, or environments.
Understanding these forms can help you make sense of your experiences and better understand when support may be helpful.
Verbal Abuse
The use of spoken or written language to degrade, threaten, or control a woman, including but not limited to:
- Name-calling, insults, or slurs
- Yelling, screaming, or swearing
- Gaslighting and persistent criticism
- Threats of harm or humiliation
- Public shaming or ridicule
- Harassment
Physical Abuse
The intentional use of force to cause injury, pain, or intimidation including but not limited to:
- Hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, biting, beating
- Choking, restraining, or burning
- Use of weapons or objects to inflict harm
- Denial of necessary medical attention
Financial (Economic) Abuse
Controlling or limiting a woman’s access to financial resources to create dependency or restrict freedom including but not limited to:
- Preventing access to money, education, or employment
- Stealing income or property
- Incurring debt in her name without consent
- Controlling how money is spent
Psychological/Emotional Abuse
Tactics used to erode a woman’s self-esteem, mental health, or autonomy including but not limited to:
- Manipulation, coercion, or intimidation
- Isolation from family, friends, or support systems
- Guilt-tripping or emotional blackmail
- Threatening harm to her or loved ones
- Constant surveillance or control of activities
Sexual Abuse
Any non-consensual sexual act or behavior, including but not limited to:
- Rape or attempted rape
- Unwanted touching or sexual advances
- Coercion into sexual acts
- Sexual harassment or exploitation
- Forcing or manipulating someone into sex work or pornography
Spiritual/Religious Abuse
The misuse of spiritual beliefs or authority to manipulate or control a woman, including but not limited to:
- Forcing or preventing religious practices
- Misinterpreting doctrine to justify abuse
- Using religious roles or scriptures to shame or oppress
- Banning access to spiritual or religious communities
Cultural Abuse
The use or distortion of cultural norms, traditions, or identity to justify abuse, shame, or control including but not limited to:
- Forcing cultural practices that are harmful or degrading (e.g., female genital mutilation, forced marriage)
- Denying a woman the right to express her cultural identity
- Using cultural expectations to silence or subordinate women
- Marginalizing women for rejecting traditional roles
- Shaming based on race, ethnicity, or heritage
Cyber Abuse
The use of technology and digital platforms to cause harm, control, or exploit a woman, including but not limited to:
- Cyberbullying: Harassing, threatening, or humiliating messages sent electronically
- Online Harassment: Persistent aggression or intimidation online
- Cyberstalking: Monitoring or tracking a woman’s digital activity or location
- Non-consensual Image Sharing (“revenge porn”): Distributing intimate photos or videos without permission
- Control of Digital Access: Restricting or surveilling device usage or online accounts
- Deepfaking: Creating or sharing manipulated digital content (images, videos, audio) that falsely depicts or impersonates a woman—often in sexually explicit or defamatory ways—with the intent to harm, harass, or deceive
Stalking
A pattern of obsessive, unwanted attention that causes fear or emotional distress. Stalking behaviors include:
- Following or spying on a woman in person or digitally
- Repeated, intrusive contact (calls, texts, emails, social media)
- Showing up uninvited at her home, workplace, or social events
- Sending unwanted gifts, notes, or messages
- Threatening her safety or that of those close to her
Sexual Trafficking
The exploitation of a woman for sexual purposes through force, fraud, or coercion. This includes:
- Following or spying on a woman in person or digitally
- Repeated, intrusive contact (calls, texts, emails, social media)
- Showing up uninvited at her home, workplace, or social events
- Sending unwanted gifts, notes, or messages
- Threatening her safety or that of those close to her
