Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is (1.) Intentional, unwanted contact with another person’s body, or (2.) Threats of physical harm or threats to one’s physical safety.
Examples:
- Hitting
- Slapping
- Pushing/shoving
- Kicking
- Grabbing
- Biting
- Pulling hair
- Shaking
- Spitting on
- Scratching
- Strangling
- Slamming doors
- Throwing/breaking objects
- Pet abuse
- Reckless driving
- Intimidating posture
- Blocking an exit
- Stalking
- Punching a wall
How does physical abuse exert or maintain power and control?
The victim feels powerless over the abuse. The victim is told by the abuser that the abuse is their fault, and if they wouldn’t have “made their partner so mad”, “been so stupid,” etc., the abuse wouldn’t have happened. The victim may feel deserving of the abuse when told these things.
It’s important to realize that all of these forms overlap. Any type of physical abuse is also going to be emotional abuse. All of the forms of abuse affect how a person feels and thinks (about themselves, their role in the relationship, and relationships in general).
Read more about the methods of abuse.