Family Violence and The Types of Abuse
Imagine…
that you were no longer allowed to see your friends or family without your partner’s permission.
Well, for many individuals experiencing family violence, this type of isolation and coercive control can be a very realistic situation.
What is Family Violence?
A Systematic Pattern
Family Violence describes a systematic pattern of abusive behaviours within a relationship that is characterized by intimacy, dependency and/or trust.
Source: Community Initiatives Against Family Violence (CIAFV)
The abusive behaviours exist within a context where their purpose is to gain power, control and induce fear. All forms of abusive behaviour are ways in which one human being is trying to have control and/or exploit or have power over another. You can learn more about family violence and the different types of abuse on our agency partner’s website, www.ciafv.com.
Family Violence can happen to anyone
For families experiencing violence and abuse, it doesn’t matter what their financial status is, where they live, how they live, or what religion they follow. Family violence is about having power and control over someone else. Period. It can happen to anyone regardless of situation, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, culture, religion, etc. Family violence does not discriminate.
There are many types of abuse
Family Violence can involve many different types of abuse including gaslighting, emotional abuse/coercive control, cultural/immigration abuse, physical abuse, spiritual abuse, stalking/criminal harassment, financial/economic abuse, and sexual abuse. To learn more about the different types of abuse, click here.
healthy vs. Unhealthy vs. Abusive relationships - What’s the difference?
Maintaining a healthy relationship takes time, energy, and care. Healthy relationships make everyone feel respected, happy, and safe. This chart explains what the differences are and how you can compare healthy relationships to unhealthy or abusive ones.
The Cycle of Abuse
Family violence often occurs in a cycle. Understanding the cycle of violence (and the factors that influence it) is the first step towards breaking the cycle.
The cycle of abuse has four phases:
The Build-up Phase: Stress builds up in the abuse
The Act Out Phase: Tension leads to violence
The Rationalize/Justify Phase: Abusers blame others, rationalize their actions
The Pretend Normal Phase: Acceptance of abuse
Learn more about the cycle of abuse here.
Emotional Abuse & Coercive Control
a pattern of controlling behaviours
Emotional abuse, including coercive control, is a pattern of controlling behaviours which creates an imbalance of power within the relationship that is used to harm, punish, or scare the victim. This makes the victim dependent on the abusive partner by eroding their self-esteem, isolating them from their supports, depriving them of their independence, and having their everyday behaviour regulated.
What Can You Do?
Support Your Loved One
Family violence is not always an easy subject to discuss with our loved ones. Here are some general guidelines on how to approach the topic of family violence in a caring and supportive way.
If you or your loved one is experiencing family violence, reach out to The Today Centre.
Donate to The Today Centre
To help connect those experiencing family violence in our community to resources and support, make a donation to The Today Centre.