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Safe and Fear-free Environment, Inc. (SAFE)

types of abuse

Abuse isn't just physical there are many types of abuse and they are all difficult to experience


Emotional Abuse/Verbal AbuseNon-physical behaviors such as threats, insults, constant monitoring or “checking in,” excessive texting, humiliation, intimidation or isolation.
Stalking Being repeatedly watched, followed or harassed.
Financial AbuseUsing money or access to accounts to exert power and control over a partner.
Physical AbuseAny intentional use of physical force with the intent to cause fear or injury, like hitting, shoving, biting, strangling, kicking or using a weapon.
Sexual AbuseAny action that impacts a person's ability to control their sexual activity or the circumstances in which sexual activity occurs, including restricting access to birth control or condoms. Ignoring someone's refusal to engage in sexual activities by repeatedly using emotional, verbal or physical pressure. 
Digital AbuseThe use of technology such as texting and social networking to bully, harass, stalk or intimidate a partner. Often this behavior is a form of verbal or emotional abuse perpetrated through technology.

Warning Signs of Abuse

Does your partner ever.....

Embarrass you with put-downs?


Control what you do, who you see or talk to or where you go?


Look at you or act in ways that scare you?


Push you, slap you, choke you or hit you?


Stop you from seeing your friends or family members?


Control the money in the relationship? Take your money or Social Security check, make you ask for money or refuse to give you money?


Make all of the decisions?

Tell you that you’re a bad parent or threaten to take away your children?


Prevent you from working or attending school?


Act like the abuse is no big deal, deny the abuse or tell you it’s your own fault?


Destroy your property or threaten to kill your pets?


Intimidate you with guns, knives or other weapons?


Attempt to force you to drop criminal charges?


Threaten to commit suicide, or threaten to kill you?

is this abuse?

you're not on your own

Abuse in a relationship can happen to anyone, it is never okay, it can destroy your self-confidence, have a negative impact on your health and well being and leave you feeling lonely and isolated. SPEAK UP!



If you answered ‘yes’ to one of these questions, you may be in an unhealthy or abusive relationship. Don’t hesitate to call us (1-800-478-2316) if anything you read raises a red flag about your own relationship or that of someone you know.

Calling bad names or putting someone down

Shouting and cursing

Hitting, slapping and/or pushing

Making threats of any kind

Jealously and suspicion

Keeping someone away from family and friends

Throwing things around the house

Controlling access to money

Are your behaviors abusive?

Abuse is....