*Taboo Topics: Abuse Awareness

Domestic abuse can still be a taboo topic, a lot of the time because people don’t really understand what it can often be. It’s easy to think that domestic abuse is name calling or getting physically hit, but there are so many other ways a person in a relationship can be abused by their partner. When we have a better understanding of these different types, it might encourage more conversation around it. And in speaking about it more you might help someone without realising, letting them know that what they’re going through isn’t because of them and it’s something that they can walk away from.

Physical 

Physical abuse is the one that we relatively think of first when we hear the word abuse. And whilst it can often include actions like hitting, slapping, biting or strangling, it can also include physical restraints or misusing medication.

Verbal abuse 

The signs of verbal abuse can sometimes be harder to spot than those of physical abuse, and sometimes this emotional abuse can take longer to heal as the abuser has worn down their victim over time to make them really believe what they’re being told. It can be things like being told they’re ugly, stupid or worthless.

Psychological abuse 

Psychological abuse is another type that can be harder to spot, and over time it wears down the victim and makes them feel isolated. It can often make the victim feel like they’re losing their mind, as the abuser does small things like moving things like keys or handbags, denying things have happened, threats of abandonment, depriving them of contact, etc. This often leads to the victim relying on their abuser more than ever because they don’t feel like they can trust their own judgement.

Financial 

Most abuse comes down to power and being able to control the victim, and for some that even means financial abuse. That can mean controlling the budget of the household, or even not letting the victim have access to their own money, or stopping them from earning their own. This can often be a reason why some victims can’t leave an abusive relationship, because they don’t think they’ll have the funds to survive.

However, it’s important to know that victims of abuse could be entitled to a claim of compensation. CICA UK helps victims of abuse to claim for compensation under the government scheme, so whether they have control of their finances or not, they’ll have money they need to get back on their feet.

Hopefully this post isn't triggering for anyone! Please contact a helpline or the authorities if you need or want to!

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