7 Forms of Partner Abuse

We most often think about physically violent acts when we think about partner abuse, but there are many methods of choice for controlling, demeaning, and punishing partners.

What's in This Post

What is partner abuse?

Partner abuse is a pattern of controlling, demeaning, and/or punishing behaviors and attitudes with a dating, cohabiting, or marriage partner, during or after the relationship.

At its core, partner abuse is driven by self-centered motivations.

Abuse can range from mild to severe. Some behaviors are severely abusive even if they occur only once; others may be considered very abusive because of the number of times they occur. A variety of abusive behaviors may combine to increase the degree of abuse.

Who Gets Abused?

Abuse of women by men dominates discussion about partner abuse, but abusive men dominating, controlling, or punishing abused women isn't the only configuration of partner abuse.

Men can also be the target of abusive wives and girlfriends. And abusive behaviors hurt the men that it is happening to. They are not somehow immune to being hurt by verbal or physical slaps, hits, and stabs. 

Partner abuse also happens in LGBTQ relationships. This is another reality that is sorely lacking in recognition. 

7 Forms of Partner Abuse

Partner abuse takes on many forms. It may be:

1. verbal
2. sexual
3. financial
4. physical
5. spiritual
6. legal
7. emotional/psychological

Partner Abuse Books

I have written several books about partner abuse. Two are quick summaries that are easy to read and digest. One is a full-sized, comprehensive (but still easy to read and put into practical use) presentation of abuse of men by women.

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