Abuse is defined as injurious, harmful or controlling behavior that forces the victim to do what the abuser wants without regard for the victim's health, physical well-being or rights. The abuser is usually someone who is well known by the victim. There are several types of abuse:

Emotional Abuse:
This includes blaming the other person for all problems, fostering low self-esteem, giving double messages (such as saying I love you in an angry tone of voice) or becoming overprotective or smothering.

Physical Abuse:
This includes any form of physical attack such as hitting, slapping, shaking, beating, shoving or scratching someone. It may include starving someone or giving them too much food and drink. It also includes having to watch as someone else is being physically abused.

Verbal Abuse:
This includes use of name-calling and put downs, teasing, making fun of or laughing at someone, shaming them, screaming and yelling at someone.

Neglect:
This form of abuse occurs most often toward children, older adults and any one else who is dependent on someone else for their care. Neglect includes not providing adequate food, clothing and shelter, failure to provide medical care, allowing or encouraging the use of drugs or alcohol, failing to protect someone from the abuse of another, or leaving someone who is not capable of self care alone. This also includes a failure to nurture, care for or provide for emotional needs.

Warning Signs that Abuse may be Occurring
Any unusual pattern of injuries usually described as accidents, such as bruises, welts, cuts, scrapes, burns broken bones, black eyes, or missing clumps of hair. These injuries often appear on a regular basis and may be at different stages of healing. Abuse can lead to major changes in behavior, such as becoming withdrawn, exhibiting more aggressive behavior toward others, fatigue, lack of concentration, and unexplained absences from school or work. Many people will deny that abuse is occurring and make up excuses for the injuries. Many victims have been threatened by the abuser to not tell the truth and are afraid of what the abuser will do.

Treatment
Without intervention the abuse is likely to escalate and become more severe. Over time the risk of serious injury or death increases. It is imperative that every member of the family become involved in treatment immediately. Treatment includes individual and family therapy. Many times protective services and law enforcement are involved.