Nature Of Abuse
There are 7 major aspects of domestic abuse. Each aspect of domestic abuse has a specific goal the abuser wishes to achieve.
- Isolation - Any act intended to cut the victim off from outside support systems. The goal is to increase dependence on the abuser, which in turn may reduce the possibility of the victim leaving because there is no one to turn to.
- Disability/Exhaustion - Any behaviour which causes physical disability. Or any act intended to exhaust or overwhelm the victim. The goal is to make it difficult for the victim to think clearly, plan for the future or make good decisions.
- Degradation - Any act which is intended to embarrass or degrade the victim. The goal is to reduce self-esteem so that the victim feels s/he does not deserve better.
- Displays Of Total Power - Any action or behaviour intended to let the victim or children clearly know who is in charge. Goal is to ensure that the victim learns not to question the abuser's authority of actions.
- Enforcing Trivial Demands - Any command or request made to decrease the victim's self-esteem, humiliate or ensure their sense of being less than the abuser.
- Occasional Mr. Nice Guy - Any behaviour or act that brings back memories of courtship, reaffirms hope that the abuser will change, or makes the victim believe that the abuser really cares and loves. The goal is to keep the victim confused, so that she is never sure if she should really leave or if she should stay because it is not all bad.
- Distorted Perspectives - Any attempt to get the victim to change the way s/he previously thought about relationships or family, which serves to keep the victim isolated and questioning his/her values and decision making.
Last Updated: 2005-03-07
