WomensLaw serves and supports all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.

About Abuse

Forms of Abuse

Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, can come in many different forms. At the root of all forms of abuse, however, is the need for the abusive partner to keep power and control over the victim. We hope that reading about all of the different forms of abuse will help you to recognize some abusive behaviors that you may not have considered to be abusive. If you are worried about your own safety or the safety of a loved one and you want to learn about legal options, feel free to reach out to us on our Email Hotline.

Overview of domestic violence and dating violence, who it affects, and the different types of abuse.

Information on emotional and psychological abuse, including signs and effects of this type of abuse.

Information about credit card debt, identity theft, and other money matters when there is domestic violence.

Information about reproductive abuse and coercion.

Information on sexual assault committed by strangers or acquaintances, sexual assault committed within intimate relationships, including by a spouse (known as marital rape), statutory rape, and forced prostitution.

Information about stalking and cyberstalking.

Information about abuse through the court system, such as when an abuser files excessive motions, petitions, and adjournments to make the victim continually come to court.