Types of Domestic Abuse
Millions of people are impacted by domestic abuse annually. Sadly, many victims don’t fully realize that behaviors are considered abuse. It’s crucial to understand the types of domestic abuse so you can identify it early, whether for yourself or for a loved one, and seek help.
People often think of domestic abuse as physical harm, but it’s so much more. Additional forms include emotional/psychological, sexual, and financial. Abusers frequently intertwine these different types to take control and intimidate victims. In turn, these overlapping abusive tactics make it harder for them to escape.
An attorney experienced in both family law and criminal law can help explain your rights and guide you on how to protect yourself and those you care about. In the meantime, we’ll discuss the types of domestic abuse and legal remedies available in Tennessee.
Physical abuse is more than bruises
Physical abuse is probably the most recognized form of domestic violence. It covers a wide range of harm, including hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, choking, and using weapons to cause injury. Physical abuse can also include more subtle actions like denying access to food, sleep, or medical care, or restraining someone against their will.
Example of domestic violence
An abuser may lock the victim in a room or prevent them from leaving the house. At the same time, they might also threaten or even harm pets or children to maintain control over the situation. Not only are these actions illegal, but these forms of domestic violence can also cause physical and emotional trauma.
Sexual abuse violates consent and bodily autonomy
Sexual activity forced upon a partner without their consent is considered sexual abuse, which is a type of domestic violence. Consent must be freely given, and it can be withdrawn at any time. Forms of sexual abuse include rape, forced sexual acts, and coercing a partner into sexual activities they don’t want to perform or receive.
Example of sexual abuse
An abuser might pressure the victim into unwanted sexual experiences, whether the victim is sober, intoxicated, or drugged. Taking advantage of someone unable to give consent due to their age as a minor or due to their disability is also sexual abuse.
Emotional and psychological abuse as unseen wounds
Although typically harder to identify than domestic violence, emotional and psychological abuse can cause long-lasting damage to the victim. These behaviors undermine a person’s self-worth and confidence, such as insults, name-calling, excessive criticism, and humiliation.
Example of emotional abuse
Threats of harm, isolation from loved ones, neglect, and forcing the victim to use drugs or alcohol may accompany abusive patterns and could support a petition for order of protection when it causes fear or injury. Understandably, these abusive behaviors are the perfect storm for a toxic environment where victims often feel trapped and powerless.
Example of psychological abuse
One common tactic of psychological abuse is gaslighting, which occurs when the abuser manipulates the victim. This manipulation then causes the victim to doubt their memories or perceptions and to become confused or insecure. This tactic makes victims more dependent on the abuser.
Controlling behavior and isolation cut off the community
Various forms of domestic abuse involve controlling behavior designed to isolate victims from their support systems, whether it be family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, etc. The abuser’s overbearingness can look like monitoring phone calls, reading private emails or text messages, and restricting who the victim can interact with. Controlling behavior may escalate to isolation, which is extremely dangerous as it completely cuts the victim off from people and resources that could aid them in escaping the abuse.
Example of controlling behavior and isolation
Abusers may dictate the clothes victims wear, the places victims can go, or how the victim spends their time. Jealousy is commonly used as an excuse to justify checking on or harassing the victim. If children are involved, the abuser may use them as a pawn by threatening harm or using custody as leverage; all of which are methods to maintain control.
Economic abuse binds victims in financial chains
Economic abuse, sometimes referred to under Tennessee law as financial abuse, involves coercive conduct that controls a person’s access to money, assets or credit. Victims find themselves trapped in economically or financially abusive situations since they’re unable to support themselves and their children in the event they flee.
Example of economic abuse
Economic abuse can resemble demanding money, withholding paychecks, limiting or restricting access to bank accounts, preventing the victim from work, or prohibiting the victim from attending school or participating in professional development opportunities. This type of abuse can also include accumulating debt under the victim’s name, in turn, damaging their credit.
Legal options for Tennessee domestic abuse victims
Order of protection
Victims of domestic abuse or violence can file for an Order of Protection in Tennessee. An order can require the abuser to stay away from the victim’s home, workplace, family members’ homes, or other places the victim frequents. Moreover, the Order of Protection can prohibit any and all contact, thus providing some level of security for victims.
Custody, divorce, and financial remedies
If there are kids involved, the abused parent or guardian is able to seek a custody order to protect the children from harm. Further, victims can file for divorce and seek equitable division of property, alimony, and child support.
Resources and support networks
In addition to legal protections, non-profit organizations such as the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence offer a multitude of services for victims of abuse. People in need can receive shelter, resources, and counseling needed to both escape abuse and rebuild their lives.
Taking steps toward safety
The very first step toward freeing yourself from a dangerous situation is recognizing the types of domestic abuse. If you or your child is in harm’s way, help is available.
The Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates have supported victims in Tennessee since 1991. Our experienced team of attorneys is dedicated to helping you find safety.
Call us today or complete the contact form to schedule a confidential consultation. We will assist you throughout the legal process and work toward a safer future for you and yours.