Abuse is any behavior that
is used to harm, to gain and/or maintain control and
power over another. The injured party is typically referred to as a victim.
The victim often experiences hurt, anger, fear or humiliation. There are
different types of abuse including emotional abuse, psychological abuse,
physical abuse and sexual abuse.
Emotional abuse includes hurting another person's
feelings by saying cruel, unfair comments or by name calling. Activitiessuch as withholding care and exposing another to unwanted influences like
pornographic material can be considered abuse.
Psychological abuse is
any verbal threat to destroy property, to do bodily harm to other people
(domestic violence), pets, or one's self (suicide). The act of exposing
another to these situations can be considered abuse.
Physical abuse is any forceful or violent physical behavior.
Sexual abuse is any sexual advance,
request for sexual favor, a verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature
that is unwelcome and/or offensive to another.
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and international resources on abuse.
