Types of abuse

Family abuse is difficult to define, but it usually involves someone exerting inappropriate control over a partner, spouse, or relative.

The abuse can be:

• PHYSICAL – beating up another person, or threatening to do so. Or perhaps threatening to destroy their property or prized possessions.
• MENTAL – convincing someone that they are a bad person, because of some real or imagined issue. Or, for example, “gaslighting” them, to suggest that the abuse does not actually exist. Or that it’s really their fault.
• FINANCIAL – stealing from, or defrauding a family member, or running up debts in their name.
• CONTROLLING – abusers often try to isolate their victims by preventing them from contacting friends or support services.
• BLACKMAIL – partners of LGBT people may threaten to “out” their victims in order to harass or bully them.
  
  Family abuse affects every society, but some minority communities may suffer disproportionately.This list is not exhaustive. What’s important is how you feel about it. And what can be done to support you. That’s where Find-A-Friend can help.