Overview
Violence or abuse in the home can occur in a large number of ways. Generally, cases of abuse at home come in one of these three categories:
- Domestic violence, sometimes called partner abuse
- Child abuse, or
- Sexual abuse
When any of these occurs, you should realize that it is a very serious problem that could become much worse. Sometimes abuse in the home can be physical, like hitting or forced sex. And sometimes it can be emotional or verbal, like making threats or constant harassment. Whatever form abuse takes, the consequences can be very serious—injuries, mental problems, financial losses, or legal issues are just a few examples.
There are many public and private resources available to help you deal with any kind of abuse at home. Learning where to find help and how to take advantage of it may be vital to your well-being and the well-being of those close to you.