In the previous post we looked at some basic facts about domestic violence during pregnancy. Now we’ll look at what domestic violence is, some women think that if they don’t have black eyes, and bruises, that they aren’t being abused, but that’s simply not true.

Intimate partner violence is abuse that happens between individuals in a close relationship. If you’re married, dating, no longer dating, living together but not married, or divorced, and your partner abuses you, that’s still considered intimate partner violence. Abuse does not have to be ongoing either. If a partner or ex-partner abuses you even once it may still be considered intimate partner violence.

There are four main categories of domestic violence:

1. Physical abuse: Includes hitting, slapping, pinching, kicking, burning, or any other physical force used.
2. Emotional abuse: Constantly threatening someone or someone’s possessions is abuse. If someone is telling you that you can’t see friends or family, calling you names, yelling at you, or intimidating you, that’s emotional abuse. Examples of this may include stalking, taking away privileges - such as not allowing you to see your friends or drive the car, and harming your personal self-worth.
3. Sexual abuse: Forced sexual acts of any kind is abuse. Threatened sexual force is also abuse. Even if you are married or in a committed relationship, sexual acts should never be forced on you, period.
4. Threats of abuse: If your partner is always threatening you with sexual or physical abuse or scaring you, it’s considered intimate partner violence. People cannot make you feel constantly on edge and unsafe; that’s abuse. Gestures at you, threats with weapons, and any other way to communicate harm is considered abuse by the CDC and the legal system.

As you can see, domestic violence comes in many forms. If any of the above is occurring, either alone, or with another form of abuse, than it’s crucial you seek immediate support. If the abuse has only occurred on one or two occasions, it is still abuse. Also, abuse tends to escalate, so the sooner you look for support, the better. Next up we’ll look at a quick Q&A that can help you figure out if you’re in an abusive relationship.

Support:

If you know that you’re in an abusive relationship, there is help available. You can visit the National Domestic Violence website or give them a call at 1-800-799-SAFE. Note that your partner can see what websites you’ve been searching by looking at your computer history. If you’re worried about your partner knowing that you visited a domestic violence website then use the phone number instead.