Domestic abuse is an ongoing pattern of controlling behaviors used to physically, emotionally, sexually, and psychologically exert power over a current or former intimate partner or family member.

Image adapted from Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, Duluth, MN

(Click here for a larger, printable version of the
Power and Control Wheel in Adobe PDF format.)

Domestic Abuse can include:

Physical Abuse:

• Hitting
• Pushing
• Shaking
• Biting
• Using a knife, gun or other weapon
• Slapping
• Choking
• Burning
• Scratching
• Spitting

Psychological Abuse:

• Humiliation, name calling, use of profanity
• Deliberate embarrassment
• Control of another's movement & activities
• Isolation from friends and family, including actual imprisonment
• Control of financial resources
• Withholding information or resources
• Intimidation through the abuse of children or pets

Sexual Abuse:

• Forcing unwanted sexual acts
• Physically attacking another's sexual parts
• Refusing to practice safe sex

Abuse is often cyclical in nature and will not go away. It usually gets worse and increases in frequency over time.