ABUSE

Abuse: Any attempt to exert power and control over someone. Abuse is a pattern in which one individual (whether an intimate partner or person with authority) uses fear, intimidation, violence, or other harm to control another.

​

Abuse involves coercion, control, or exploitation by another person. Abuse might include: manipulation and exploitation, accountability enforced by threats, censorship of decision-making, coercion to conform, and the inability to ask questions or voice disagreement.

​

There are many types of abuse which can include but not limited to: physical abuse, sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, financial abuse, child abuse, elderly abuse and domestic violence abuse.

​

Abuse can cause serious trauma and have a significant impact on your mental health. People who experience abuse often feel ashamed or isolated, and may wonder if they deserve to be treated badly. Abuse is never the fault of the victim. Abuse is always the fault of the perpetrator. It’s important to remember that abuse is never your fault.