What is Abuse?

Although disagreements are a normal part of most relationships, a pattern of behaviors to gain or maintain control over a partner is not; it's abuse. Physical, emotional and sexual abuse is not acceptable. The following are examples of tactics that are used by an abusive partner:

• Emotional: insults, name-calling, yelling, threats, extreme jealousy, humiliating partner in public or in private, isolating a partner from friends or family, threatening to "out" a gay/lesbian partner, making someone account for time, threats to harm self.
• Physical: hitting, pinching, shoving, restraining, destroying property, choking, threats of harm.
• Sexual: rape, sexual abuse, or any coercion or manipulation of a partner to engage in sexual conduct.