Usually when we think about domestic violence we tend to think about physical violence perpetuated by a partner. However, domestic violence is so much more than that; and different types of domestic violence do exist. These are just six more. Remember – love is not being in love, love is respect.

1. Controlling Behavior

The most common behavior surrounding domestic violence is the control that a partner has over the other. Usually, the abuser tries to control the victim by restricting her contact with friends or family, and any social activities. This is what makes the relationship last – this controlling behavior. It doesn’t mean it has to be violent, sometimes it’s just pure mental manipulation. It starts with something small and, before you know it, the abuser controls every aspect of your life.

2. Financial Abuse

Let’s say you become unemployed or decide to be a stay at home mom, you will need financial backup right? An abuser knows that, and usually not only instigates this kind of situation, interfering with the victim’s availability to get financial support, but when this does happen the abuser takes advantage of it, controlling the access to money. Financial abuse is used to gain control over the victim – it’s actually the easiest way of getting control.

The abuser usually uses tactics such as employment sabotage, calling constantly, showing up at work and causing a scene. Other times it’s done in more subtle ways, such as incentivizing the victim to quit her job because her co-workers or the owners don’t appreciate her as a person.

3. Technological Abuse

Technology came and gave abusers a new way to control their partner. Passwords, online information, access to online accounts and history is usually a form of controlling. This doesn’t happen just because the abuser wants to know what their partner is doing, but is also a way of threatening to release intimate and personal content on the internet. Revenge porn is an example of technological abuse; sometimes an abuser controls the partner just by threatening to release this kind of content.

4. Stalking

It’s very easy to stalk someone in our days. Technology and social media made it possible. If someone has the password of your app store account, or tracks your phone under a GPS tracker such as geolocation features, they will know where you are all the time. Abusers not only steal or demand account information, but also install apps that send them information that enable them to stalk their partners. Even when you leave the abuser, stalking is very common and this kind of technology is often used to follow you during your daily life.

5. Excessive Anger

Don’t think that it’s only when your partner hits you that you are suffering from domestic violence. Excessive anger is also domestic violence. Verbal rage is very common in these cases, such as destroying your possessions, screaming or insulting. Remember, love is respect.

6. Using Children Against the Partner

Often, when a relationship based on domestic violence involves kids, the abuser tends to have even more power over the victim. Usually, the abuser threatens to take the children: it can be by kidnapping or custody. And other times, the abuser turns the children against the victim, manipulating their perspective about the situation and their partner. This will cause harm not just to the victim, but also to the children involved.