C A P T I V E || S.R

L E T' S T A L K : ABUSE

Abuse is defined as the action of treating a person with cruelty or violence, often repeatedly

There are various types of abuse. Below is a list of them in simplified terms.

Physical abuse: Physical injury inflicted on a person by other than accidental means, physical injury being anything from severe or frequent bruising to more serious injuries

Sexual abuse: Repeated sexual behavior or acts forced upon a person without their consent

Verbal abuse: When someone repeatedly uses words to demean, frighten, or control someone

Emotional abuse: Any kind of abuse that is emotional in nature. It can include anything from verbal abuse and constant criticism to more subtle tactics such as intimidation, manipulation, and refusal to ever be pleased

Psychological (mental) abuse: Involves a person's attempts to frighten, control, or isolate you. It's in the abuser's words and actions, as well as their persistence in these behaviors

Financial abuse: A common tactic used by abusers to gain power and control in a relationship. In general, includes tactics to conceal information, limit the victim's access to assets, or reduce accessibility to the family finances

Abuse is a form of trauma and can impact a person as trauma does. If the victim is young enough, abuse can alter the chemical balance in the brain as well as the structure and the way the child behaves. It can bring about bouts of depression and suicidal idealization. An abuse victim may have a lack of self esteem, be on alert constantly, and have trouble forming and/or keeping relationships. 

Signs that someone may be being abused are as follows;

Constant worry about doing something wrong, speech problems or delays in learning, depression, low self esteem, doing poorly in school or at work, extreme behaviors such as being too obedient or too demanding, and physical symptoms like head or stomach aches that seem to have no real cause.

If you happen to be in an abusive relationship, know that the abuse is not your fault. You deserve to life a much more happy and fulfilling life. You aren't alone and there are so many resources out there to help you.

The link below is a site full of information on leaving an abusive relationship. I hope it aids you in your efforts.

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/getting-out-of-an-abusive-relationship.htm

If you happen to be in a situation in which you need information about leaving this kind of relationship but can't access the resources, shoot me a message and I will happily look into it for you.