Abuse takes many forms, and it isn’t always clear when an unhealthy relationship crosses the line and becomes an abusive one. Definitions of abuse are blurry and imprecise, but it’s generally accepted that any behavior pattern that results in the ongoing harm of an individual or group at the hands of another constitutes abuse.
Unfortunately, there are dozens of different types of abuse, including self-directed forms such as alcohol abuse and drug abuse. However, the most harmful are, arguably, those which are directed at the people least able to defend themselves.
Child abuse is defined as the physical, sexual, emotional or psychological coercion of a child, either by a parent or family member, family friend or acquaintance, or a stranger. It presents particular difficulties because children are far more limited than adults or even adolescents in their understanding of such situations. They are far more easily manipulated than older individuals.
Elder abuse is the neglect, threatening or physical abuse of elderly individuals. This can occur in both domestic and institutional situations, and is a growing problem in some nursing homes.
Domestic abuse is, sadly, quite common; it is defined as the physical, emotional, psychological or sexual abuse of one partner in a romantic relationship at the hands of the other. Rarely, but sometimes, domestic relationships are co-abusive, in which both parties are simultaneously perpetrators and victims of abuse.
One of the worst things about abuse is that victims often feel powerless to speak out against their abusers and get the help they need. They often feel as though putting an end to the cycle is not an option, and that they’ll be better off tolerating their situations rather than risking the stigma associated with being an abuse victim and the reprisals that their abusers have so often warned are waiting for them should they ever blow the whistle.
If you are being abused, or if you know or suspect that someone you know is being abused, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you can get help and end the cycle. Anonymous, free telephone help lines are set up in virtually every community in the U.S. These trained professionals can help you deal with crisis situations and instruct you as to how you should best proceed.
It’s not always easy to prosecute perpetrators of emotional abuse, but if you or someone you care about bears the signs of physical abuse, contacting the police is highly recommended; however, you should be careful to report the situation in a way that does not put the abused individual at risk. Child welfare agencies have the authority to remove a child from an emotionally or psychologically abusive situation if they have enough evidence, however.
The road to healing can be a long and difficult one, but the rewards are many. Abused individuals often liken the recovery of their self-esteem and self-determination to spiritual and emotional rebirth; if you or someone you care about is a victim, take action. Nobody deserves to be abused.
