Types of abuse in a relationship and how social workers can help (2023)

Types of abuse in a relationship and how social workers can help (1)

Respectivelythe US Bureau of Justice Statistics National Crime Victimization Survey., approximately 1 in 4 adult women and 1 in 9 adult men have experienced intimate partner violence. Worrying statistics show that domestic violence is not a rare or isolated phenomenon: it occurs with tragic frequency.

While physical violence is a clear sign of abuse, toxic and abusive relationships can manifest themselves in other insidious ways, including verbal and financial abuse. One of the critical responsibilities of a social worker is to help identify these types of abuse and provide support services to those in need.

Note: This article is about physical and sexual abuse, and while the descriptions are not descriptive, the content may be disturbing for some readers.

What is abuse in a relationship?

Relationship abuse encompasses a pattern of toxic behaviors that exist within an intimate or romantic relationship. More specifically, relationship abuse involves one partner behaving in a malicious or manipulative manner, with the ultimate goal of gaining power and control over the other partner.

Domestic Abuse vs. Other types of abuse

While child and elder abuse can occur in the context of domestic life, the term "domestic violence" here refers to abuse in a relationship that involves power dynamics between two intimate partners.

It may also help to clarify that relationship abuse is different from stalking, where the abuser and abused may have little or no relationship or life together.

(Video) 4 signs of emotional abuse - Viann Nguyen-Feng

Statistics on Abuse in a Relationship

While relationship abuse has been a hidden issue, it is much more common than many realize.

These disturbing statistics make it clear that relationship abuse is all too common and can take many different forms.

Types of abuse in a relationship and how social workers can help (2)

Types of abuse: Physical abuse

One of the most common forms of abuse in a relationship is physical violence.

signs of physical abuse

Several signs point to physical abuse, starting with visible injuries. Social workers are trained to recognize the physical marks left by violence and abuse and make efforts to cover these marks (for example, long, layered or baggy clothing worn especially out of season). Social workers can also identify psychological and behavioral signs such as: B. Sudden or abrupt changes in the way the abused person acts or speaks.

Effects of physical abuse

Those who are physically abused by an intimate partner can experience a variety of symptoms, both short-term and long-term. The most common symptoms of physical abuse include:

  • changes in sleep patterns
  • Changes in appetite and eating habits.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Depression
  • sexual dysfunction
  • Drug or alcohol abuse

role of social worker

Social workers are trained to recognize subtle signs of physical abuse, even in those who are reluctant or unwilling to talk about their experiences. In addition, social workers have the resources to move victims of physical abuse to a safe location, e.g. B. in a women's shelter. They can also provide you with legal resources and psychological support.

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Learn more about the nature of physical abuse:

get help

If you are in a relationship marred by physical abuse, help is available. In an emergency or if you feel your life is in danger, call 911. Otherwise:

Types of abuse: Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse in a relationship can refer to any attempt to pressure or force someone to do something sexual. In cases of sexual abuse, the abuser may use shame, guilt, intimidation or fear to do something. Remember that sexual abuse can include other types of abuse, from verbal abuse to physical violence.

(Video) What Does Relationship Abuse Look Like? (Abuse Series)

signs of sexual abuse

There are many common signs of a sexually abusive partner, including the following:

  • Ask the victim to dress a certain way.
  • Manipulation of the victim to perform certain sexual acts
  • Insulting the victim with sexually explicit nicknames
  • Asking for sex even when the victim is sick, physically injured, or exhausted
  • Ignoring or disregarding the victim's feelings about sex.

Effects of sexual abuse

Sexually abusive relationships can have a variety of short- and long-term effects on victims, including depression and anxiety, as well as PTSD and struggling with drug or alcohol abuse.

Furthermore, those who experience sexual abuse may associate sexual intimacy with negative experiences; As a result, they may struggle to maintain healthy, happy, intimate relationships. They may also simply lose interest in all forms of sexual activity.

How a social worker can help

Social workers are trained to detect even subtle signs of sexually manipulated relationships. They can advise victims if and when they need to seek protection or legal protection. In addition, social workers can help people who have been sexually abused find the mental health resources they need to heal and recover.

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For more information about sexual abuse in a relationship, consider these resources:

get help

Call 911 in an emergency or if you feel your life is in danger. Additionally, many resources are available for those in sexually abusive relationships:

Types of abuse in a relationship and how social workers can help (3)

Types of abuse: verbal abuse

Verbal violence is sometimes called mental or emotional violence. Victims of verbal violence often go unnoticed because they do not have physical symptoms such as bruises or scratches. However, verbal abuse can have an acute impact on victims' self-esteem and long-term well-being. Crucially, verbal abuse often turns into physical abuse.

Signs of verbal abuse

Abuse is not the same as disagreement; All couples have fights or verbal arguments. The difference is that in a healthy relationship, an argument shouldn't lead to name-calling or belittlement, and arguments shouldn't happen on a daily basis.

Verbal abuse, on the other hand, involves patterns of behavior in which the abuser:

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  • Using words to try to humiliate the victim
  • Scream or scream frequently
  • Start a fight, but then blame the victim
  • Bringing up unrelated issues or allegations
  • Seek recognition for standing up for your words rather than resorting to physical violence

Effects of verbal abuse

Living with this type of verbal toxicity can have long-term effects, including the following:

  • Depression
  • Suffering
  • chronic pain
  • shame and guilt
  • Questioning past memories and events.
  • Feeling unwanted or unlovable.

How social workers can help

A social worker can help identify patterns of toxic behavior and provide the legal and mental health tools needed to prevent verbal abuse.

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For more information about verbal, mental, and emotional abuse, please consider the following:

get help

If you feel your life is in immediate danger, call 911, as verbal abuse can lead to physical violence. Anyone who fears they are in danger of verbal abuse can also seek help.the national domestic violence hotlineal 800-799-7233.

Types of abuse: financial abuse

Financial abuse is defined as control of some or all aspects of a person's finances and/or ability to work. (Exceptions are guardianship cases; for example, someone may be given legal authority to control an elderly relative's finances.)

Signs of financial abuse

A financial abuser can act in a number of ways, including the following:

  • Sabotage the victim's ability to find employment.
  • Prohibit the victim from working outside the home.
  • Control how money is spent
  • Denying direct access to joint bank accounts
  • Compelling financial crimes (such as writing bad checks or creating fraudulent tax documents)
  • Accumulating large debts in joint accounts without the victim's permission
  • Forcing the victim to work in the family business, possibly without pay.

Effects of financial abuse

Financial abuse can have devastating effects on victims. Without access to their own finances (and possibly poor credit), victims may struggle to find housing, care for themselves and their children, or leave abusive relationships.

How social workers can help

Social workers can provide the legal tools victims of financial abuse need to gain their freedom and protect their children. In addition, social workers can offer mental health interventions.

To know more

For more information on financial abuse, check out these resources:

get help

For help recovering from financial abuse, consider these resources:

(Video) What Victims of Emotional Abuse Really Need | Dr. David Hawkins

How can a domestic violence social worker help?

A social worker's role is to improve people's lives, including intervening to mitigate unhealthy relationships or interpersonal problems. A domestic violence social worker has a specific focus on helping those who have been victims of various types of abuse at the hands of their spouse or romantic partner. Domestic violence social workers are committed to the physical, emotional and financial well-being of the victim.

What social workers do about domestic violence

A domestic violence social worker can help in a number of ways, including the following:

  • Offer help when someone's safety is at risk due to abuse in a relationship
  • Provide screening, risk assessment and crisis intervention for those who believe they are being abused.
  • If necessary, transfers to other providers, such. B. Mental health professionals, lawyers or financial advisors
  • Advocate for your customers and connect them with community resources
  • Carrying out public relations work to prevent abuse and raise awareness

Become an advocate for victims

To learn more about becoming a social worker dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence, read these resources:

Why social workers are important

Social workers play an important role in counseling and protecting victims, helping them determine the extent of abuse and taking the necessary steps to recover. The role of a social worker can also extend to legal, financial and psychological rehabilitation.

By advocating for victims of abuse, social workers play an important role in public health, helping to alleviate the horrific effects of cyclical abuse, particularly on women and children, while ensuring that mental health professionals can deliver their services. . to recover. of acts of abuse.

The role of the social worker also includes raising awareness. Social workers can be powerful voices, educating communities about what abuse entails, what the warning signs are, and the options available to victims of abuse.

In addition, social workers can play an important role in preventing abuse. For example, a social worker observing a home where verbal or emotional abuse is rampant may see warning signs of possible physical altercation or even child abuse. By seeking prompt legal intervention and coordinating mental health care, the social worker can stop this abuse before it gets worse.

To know more

To learn more about the role of a social worker, check out these resources:

Social workers are powerful advocates

Victims of abuse often feel alone. One of the best reasons to hire a social worker is that they will provide a faithful defense when it is most needed. Social workers can help victims of abuse get the care they need, and they can also help break cycles of abusive or toxic behavior. Your work is essential in helping victims of abuse find their way forward.

Infographic sources:

(Video) The difference between healthy and unhealthy love | Katie Hood

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Resources

National Sexual Assault Resource Center, Find help

Videos

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