What are the different types of abuse?

Although physical violence is often what we think about when we discuss abuse, it is only one form of a much broader problem. Abuse can take many shapes, some visible and some hidden but all of them can have lasting effects on a person’s physical and mental health.

Understanding the different types of abuse is one of the most important steps in recognising harm and supporting survivors. 

1. Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves the use of force to cause injury, pain, or physical harm. This can include hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, choking, burning, or using weapons. It may also involve preventing someone from seeking medical care or forcing them into dangerous situations.

Physical abuse is often the most visible form, but it rarely exists on its own. It is frequently accompanied by other types of abuse, such as emotional or psychological harm.

2. Emotional and Psychological Abuse

Emotional or psychological abuse targets a person’s sense of self-worth, identity, and mental well-being. It is often subtle and ongoing, which can make it difficult to recognise.

This type of abuse can include:

• Insults, humiliation, or constant criticism
• Gaslighting (making someone doubt their reality or memory)
• Manipulation or guilt-tripping
• Threats, intimidation, or emotional blackmail
• Controlling behaviour disguised as “care” or “concern”

Over time, emotional abuse can deeply affect confidence, mental health, and the ability to trust oneself or others.

3. Verbal Abuse

Verbal abuse overlaps with emotional abuse but deserves its own recognition. It involves the use of language to harm, control, or demean someone.

Examples include:

• Name-calling or yelling
• Mocking or belittling
• Threats or aggressive language
• Constant sarcasm meant to hurt rather than joke

Words can leave lasting scars, especially when they are repeated or come from someone close.

4. Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves any sexual activity that occurs without clear, informed, and enthusiastic consent. It can happen in any relationship and at any age.

This includes:

• Sexual assault or rape
• Coercion or pressure to perform sexual acts
• Unwanted touching
• Sexual exploitation
• Sharing intimate images without consent

Sexual abuse is about power and control, not desire, and survivors are never to blame.

5. Financial or Economic Abuse

Financial abuse occurs when someone controls another person’s access to money, resources, or economic independence.

This can look like:

• Restricting access to bank accounts
• Forcing someone to ask for money
• Preventing someone from working or studying
• Running up debt in someone else’s name
• Monitoring or controlling spending

Financial abuse can trap people in harmful situations by limiting their ability to leave or seek help.

6. Digital or Online Abuse

As more of life happens online, abuse has expanded into digital spaces. Online abuse uses technology to harass, control, or intimidate.

Examples include:

• Harassment or threats through messages or social media
• Cyberstalking or tracking someone’s online activity
• Hacking or impersonating accounts
• Sharing private information or images without consent
• Constant monitoring through apps or devices

Online abuse is real abuse, and its impact can be just as serious as offline harm.

7. Social Abuse

Social abuse involves isolating someone from friends, family, or support networks. It often works quietly and gradually.

This may include:

• Controlling who someone can see or talk to
• Spreading rumours or lies
• Creating conflict to damage relationships
• Making someone feel guilty for having a life outside the abuser

Isolation increases dependence and makes it harder for victims to seek help.

8. Cultural or Identity-Based Abuse

This type of abuse targets aspects of a person’s identity, such as race, religion, gender, sexuality, disability, or immigration status.

It can include:

• Using slurs or discriminatory language
• Threatening exposure or deportation
• Forcing someone to abandon cultural or religious practices
• Using identity-based shame or fear as control