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 AbuseAt the root of all types of child abuse and maltreatment is an adult, parent, or caregiver not providing what the child needs to survive and thrive. It is any act or failure to act that results in harm, potential harm, or threat of harm to the child. Child abuse can take on many forms such as physical, sexual, emotional, and medical neglect. Child abuse is a serious public health issue that can have a negative long term impact on the health and wellbeing of the child. ~ Natalie Watt, Family Nurse Practitioner at Cone Health’s Child Advocacy Medical Clinic
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Elder AbuseElder abuse is intentional mistreatment or neglect that causes harm to an older person. Elder abuse takes many forms, including: neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, or psychological abuse. Elder abuse violates an individual’s fundamental right to just treatment. The costs of elder abuse are high for the affected individuals and society alike. ~ Kim Johnson, Senior Long‑Term Care Ombudsman, PTRC Area Agency on Aging
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Sexual Assault
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Stalking
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Human Trafficking
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Sexual assault is commonly defined as any offense in which the offender subjects one or more victims to unwanted and offensive sexual acts, which includes everything from an unwanted touch to acts of force that are most severe, without consent. Victims of rape and sexual assault have the right to take legal action to end the abuse. The Greensboro Police Department commits to holding all sexual assault offenders accountable for the crimes they commit, while seeking justice for the survivors. ~ Captain Stephanie Mardis, Captain, Criminal Investigations Division, Greensboro Police Department
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Stalking is the unwanted pursuit of another person, by means of following, appearing or being in the same place where a victim is, or will be. Perpetrators typically use this tactic for the purposes of continued harassment, to intimidate, and/or to impose fear as a means to establish control (physically and/or mentally) over their victim(s). ~ Lt. Travis Reams, Special Victims Unit, 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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