What is relationship violence?

Relationship violence is the intentional intimidation, physical assault, sexual assault, or any other abusive behavior in an intimate relationship. Both men and women can be victims of relationship violence in heterosexual and same-sex relationships. Unhealthy or abusive relationships usually get worse, so it is important to know the warning signs in order to prevent it from continuing. Everyone deserves a healthy, non-violent relationship.

Types of abuse:

Sexual Abuse

• Unwanted touching, demanding or forcing sex, and withholding sex as a form of control

Physical Abuse

• Pushing, slapping, kicking, throwing objects, and locking you out of the house

Verbal Abuse

• Degrading you in front of friends and family, telling hurtful jokes, name calling, humiliation, and blaming

Emotional Abuse

• Being forced to account for every moment of your time, being coerced or controlled by your partner, and being made to feel as though you can’t do anything right in your partners eyes

Economic Abuse

• Preventing you from having or keeping a job, not allowing you to access family finances, and taking your money