The Continuums of Abuse

Abuse often becomes more severe and/or more frequent over time.
The Continuums of Abuse illustrate how physical, psychological, sexual,
and social abuse can progress in their harm and danger.

• Physical Abuse (in order of increasing danger)
  Holding down, blocking, pinning
  Pushing or shoving
  Shaking or jerking
  Slapping and bruising
  Throwing objects
  Punching
  Kicking
  Black eyes, cuts, chipped teeth
  Burning with hot drinks, cigarettes, etc.
  Causing serious falls
  Choking
  Severe beatings
  Broken bones
  Hitting with objects
  Back injuries, paralysis
  Internal injuries
  Use of weapons
  Death

• Psychological Abuse (in order of increasing severity and danger)
  "Jokes" or put-downs that demean the victim
  Acting like the victim's feelings, needs, and ideas don't matter
  Enforcing rigid roles and rules for women
  Controlling through jealousy
  Isolating the victim
  Insults and name-calling
  Yelling and raging
  Humiliation, throwing food
  Fist through wall
  Threats and intimidation
  Destruction of her property
  Hurting or killing pets
  Displaying guns, sleeping with guns
  Depriving the victim of sleep
  Abuser threatens suicide
  Tries to get the victim to commit suicide
  Threatens to kill her and/or the children
  Death

• Sexual Abuse (in order of increasing severity and danger)
  Anger at women
  Sexual jokes and put-downs
  Embarrassing comments
  Treat woman as a sexual object; sex expected as a duty
  Withholding sex to punish
  Touching victim in ways that feel "uncomfortable" Promiscuity and sexual "affairs"
  Sex after or together with violence or abuse
  Forced by violence or threats into sexual acts the victim doesn't want to do
  Marital rape
  Incest with children
  Sadism
  Death of victim