Understanding Interpersonal Violence and AbuseAny form of violence and abuse should be taken seriously. Most people understand that abuse may include physical violence, but abuse can be so much more than that. In general, interpersonal violence and abuse are about power, control, and restricting the rights and freedom of another person.
There are many forms of abuse that can impact people in our community. Read on for definitions of some of the main types of interpersonal violence. |
Domestic ViolenceDomestic violence is a global health epidemic which often goes unrecognized and untreated. Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling behavior used to maintain power in a relationship. Every case is unique as abusers use a range of tactics such as physical, emotional, spiritual, sexual, and financial abuse. ~ Sonya Desai, Victim Services Coordinator for the Guilford County Family Justice Center
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Child AbuseChild abuse is when a parent or caregiver, whether through action or failing to act, causes injury, death, emotional harm or risk of serious harm to a child. There are many forms of child maltreatment, including neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation and emotional abuse. ~ Reed Pomeroy, Community Educator/Child Victim Advocate, Family Service of the Piedmont
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Elder Abuse Elder abuse is the active maltreatment or neglect of anyone over the age of 60. This includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, caregiver neglect, and financial exploitation. Elder abuse is most often committed by adult children or other family members of the individual and can lead to increased health problems, depression and suicidal thoughts, and significantly decreased quality of life. ~ Caleb Turmel, Guilford Trauma Response Team Lead, Kellin Foundation
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Sexual Assault
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Stalking
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Human Trafficking
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Sexual assault is any act of attempted or completed sexual contact without explicit and affirmative consent. Affirmative consent is voluntary, active, and can only occur when a person has the ability to make informed, rational, judgments about engaging in sexual activity. Sexual assault can occur by force, threats, intimidation, coercion, or by taking advantage of the incapacitation of an individual. RAINN.org states: “Sexual assault can take many different forms but one thing remains the same; It is never the victim’s fault.” ~ Katie Vance, Associate Director of the UNC Greensboro Campus Violence Response Center
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Stalking is repeated harassment causing substantial emotional distress. This harassment includes texting, calling, emailing, and many other forms of communication. Stalking can occur even where there is no prior relationship between the victim and the stalker. ~ Captain Tim Ellenberger, High Point Police Department
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Human Trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons by improper means (such as force, abduction, fraud, or coercion) for an improper purpose, including forced labor or sexual exploitation. Human Trafficking is a crime against humanity. ~ Maria Harkins, Community Advocate Specialist for Human Trafficking, Family Service of the Piedmont
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What are signs that someone may be experiencing abuse?There are a lot of possible signs that someone may be experiencing abuse. Some common signs that a person has experienced the trauma of abuse include the following:
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