Understanding Types of Abuse

• Abuse is explainable but not excusable.

Definition of Abuse

• Abuse is using something for the wrong purpose in a harmful or morally wrong way.
• Examples of abuse include abusing one's position/authority, trust, or alcohol.

Types of Abuse

• Physical abuse is one of the most easily identified types of abuse.
• Physical abuse involves physical violence or threats to maintain power.
• Emotional abuse involves non-physical behaviors meant to control, isolate, or frighten someone.
• Emotional abuse can be subtle, hard to identify and serious.
• Sexual abuse is when a partner controls physical and sexual intimacy in a relationship.
• Sexual abuse often involves non-consensual and forced actions.
• Financial/Economic abuse occurs when an abusive partner extends their power and control into your financial situation.
• Digital abuse, also known as technology-facilitated abuse includes bullying, harassing, stalking, intimidating, or controlling a partner using technology and the Internet.
• Digital abuse is a form of verbal or emotional abuse conducted online.
• Sexual coercion ranges from begging and persuasion to forced sexual contact.
• Sexual coercion involves feeling obligated to perform sexual acts without consent.
• No one owes their partner intimacy of any kind.
• Reproductive coercion is a form of power and control where one partner strips another of the ability to control their own reproductive system.
• Reproductive coercion may appear as pressure, guilt, or shame about having or wanting children.
• Stalking occurs when someone watches, follows, or harasses you repeatedly, causing fear or unsafety including from someone known, a past partner, or a stranger.
• Spiritual abuse is a form of emotional and psychological abuse.
• Spiritual abuse involves leaders inflicting abuse on congregation members and fostering a toxic culture through shame or control.

Abusers

• Anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, can be an abuser.
• Victims, especially children, may struggle to break free from the cycle of abuse.
• Abusive parenting harms children rather than nurturing them.

Biblical Perspective

• The Bible condemns abuse as it contradicts God’s command to love others (John 13:34).
• Abuse stems from selfishness and disregards the well-being of others.
• Scriptures warning against abuse include Exodus 22:22, Isaiah 10:2, and 1 Thessalonians 4:6.

Healing and Responsibility

• Everyone has fallen short in fully loving others, making all guilty of some level of abuse.
• True love comes from Jesus which can heal the wounds of abuse (Psalm 147:3).
• Victims should seek healing through Jesus rather than waiting for their abuser to make amends.
• Jesus is compassionate toward the suffering, especially children (Mark 10:14-16).

Breaking the Cycle of Abuse

• Believers should acknowledge their harmful actions and seek to change.
• Healing can be found through pastoral counseling, biblical guidance, and supportive communities (Galatians 6:1-10).
• The Lord empowers His followers to love others as He loves them.

Psalm 34:18

• The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.