Recognizing abuse can be difficult, especially when harmful behaviors are minimized, excused, or happen gradually over time. No one deserves to feel unsafe, controlled, threatened, or isolated in a relationship.

Abuse is not always physical. It can take many forms, and often happens through patterns of control, intimidation, manipulation, or fear. Some survivors experience one type of abuse, while others experience several at the same time. Below are some common forms of abuse.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse includes any intentional act meant to cause pain, injury, or fear through physical force.

Examples may include:

Hitting, slapping, punching, or kicking
Strangulation or choking
Pushing or restraining
Throwing objects
Blocking someone from leaving
Threatening with weapons
Damaging property to intimidate or frighten
Physical abuse often escalates over time and can become life-threatening.
Emotional and Psychological Abuse
Emotional abuse can deeply affect a person’s sense of self-worth, confidence, and emotional safety. It is often used to gain power and control.
Examples may include:
Constant criticism or humiliation
Name-calling or insults
Gaslighting or manipulation
Threats or intimidation
Blaming the survivor for the abuse
Isolation from friends or family
Extreme jealousy or possessiveness
Even without physical violence, emotional abuse can have lasting effects.

Verbal Abuse

Verbal abuse uses words to control, shame, threaten, or harm another person.

Examples may include:

Yelling or screaming
Threatening harm
Mocking or degrading comments
Public humiliation
Repeated put-downs
Verbal intimidation
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse includes any unwanted sexual contact, pressure, coercion, or behavior without consent.
Examples may include:
Forced sexual activity
Unwanted touching
Sexual coercion or manipulation
Reproductive coercion
Refusing to respect boundaries
Using guilt, threats, or fear to pressure someone into sexual activity
Consent should always be freely given and respected.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse happens when someone uses money or resources to gain power and control over another person.

Examples may include:

Controlling access to money or bank accounts
Preventing someone from working
Taking paychecks or benefits
Creating debt in another person’s name
Monitoring purchases or spending
Withholding financial information
Financial abuse can make it difficult for survivors to leave unsafe situations.

Digital Abuse

Technology can also be used to monitor, harass, or control someone.

Examples may include:

Constant texting or calling to monitor whereabouts
Demanding passwords
Tracking devices or location sharing
Monitoring social media or email accounts
Threatening or sharing private photos
Online harassment or intimidation

Stalking

Stalking is a pattern of repeated attention or contact that causes fear or concern for safety.

Examples may include:

Following or monitoring someone
Repeated unwanted calls, texts, or messages
Showing up uninvited
Tracking a person’s movements
Sending unwanted gifts or messages
Monitoring online activity
Stalking can happen during or after a relationship.

Please Remember

If something in your relationship does not feel safe, Hotline Outer Banks is here to listen and help. Our advocates provide confidential support, safety planning, crisis response, and resources for survivors of domestic violence.