Types of Abuse in Teen Relationships

Previously we mentioned that there are several types of abuse such as physical, verbal, sexual, emotional, financial, spiritual, and destructive habits. Although there are many types of abuse, it is important to notice the four types that are most prevalent in teen relationships. What do you think they are?    

In teen relationships that main types of abuse are physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual. Usually in abusive relationships, there isn’t just one form of abuse happening.  There could be emotional abuse coupled with verbal abuse, or physical abuse with sexual abuse. This really shows that abusive relationships aren’t just cut and dry, but rather have many complex parts.

Physical Abuse:

Physical abuse is one of the most obvious forms of abuse because it is visible. It is often characterized as the most serious kind of abuse because it can leave a person with injuries. Some forms of physical abuse are:

-          Slapping                                  -    Pushing

-          Grabbing                                 -    Kicking

-          Hair-pulling                             -    Biting

-          Choking                                  -    Burning

-          Hitting with Objects               -    Use of Weapons

-          Reckless Driving

Over time, physical abuse usually becomes usually more severe, more frequent, and could result in the death of the victim.

Emotional Abuse:

Emotional abuse is sometimes referred to as psychological or mental abuse. This abuse can be defined as subjecting/exposing someone to behavior that may result in emotional/psychological harm. It can be difficult to understand the effect of emotional abuse because it doesn’t leave the cuts, bruises, and physical damage that can come with physical abuse. Some examples of emotional abuse are:

-          Yelling or swearing                 -    Name calling/insults

-          Threats                                   -    Intimidation

-          Humiliating                             -    Denial of abuse, and blaming the victim

-          Isolation                                  -    Ignoring or excessively criticizing

-          Lying                                       -    Unreasonably ordering someone around like a servant

People who are abused emotionally can have an extremely low self-esteem, personality changes, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. This type of abuse really gets at the inside of a person, and can make them feel worthless.

Verbal Abuse:

Verbal abuse can be defined as negative statements made towards another person. Just like physical abuse, this tends to be easier to identify. Some examples of verbal abuse are:

-          Name calling                           -    Insulting

-          Spreading rumors                    -    Threats

-          Lying                                       -    Yelling/screaming/shouting and swearing

-          Accusing

Like I said before, abuse tends to have a lot of overlap. Verbal abuse and emotional abuse both have similar aspects due to the facts that words really can hurt a person deep down.

Sexual Abuse:

 Sexual abuse refers to any action forces, pressures, or coerces someone to do something sexually. It is important to know that just because someone “didn’t say no,” it doesn’t mean they said “yes.” It is also important to know that sexual assault/abuse is never the victim’s fault. Some types of sexual assault and abuse include:

-          Unwanted kissing                   -   Unwanted touching

-          Rape or attempted rape           -   Threatening someone to preform sexual acts

-          Using sexual insults                -   Pressuring/forcing someone to have sex

If you would like more information on healthy and unhealthy relationships, check out some of our blog posts, take a quiz, or visit the Marjaree Mason Center website!

- Megan Oleski, Youth Education Specialist