Problem
Abuse is about Power and Control
All of these actions are unhealthy, and some are illegal.
1) Isolation: The abuser keeps you:
a) Away from seeing friends and family
b) From going to work or school
c) In an overly protective relationship and is jealous and possessive
d) From using the car or otherwise traveling freely on your own
2) Threats: The abuser threatens to:
a) Hurt or kill you or your family or friends
b) Take your children away
c) Report you to welfare or immigration authorities
d) Hurt himself or herself
3) Intimidation: The abuser:
a) Insults you, puts you down, calls you names, or humiliates you in front of others
b) Interrupts when you speak
c) Stalks or harasses you or tries to make you think you are crazy
4) Using children: The abuser:
a) Calls you a bad parent or tries to turn others against you
b) Uses others, especially children, to deliver nasty messages to you
c) Harasses with threats about custody, visitation, or family court orders
5) Being cruel: The abuser:
a) Denies you food, sleep, or medical care
b) Abuses or kills your pets
c) Destroys your things such as clothes, photos, heirlooms, or other valued items
6) Withholds support: The abuser:
a) Takes your money, fails to give you adequate money, or makes you account for everything you buy
b) Denies you access to bank accounts or credit cards
7) Sexual abuse: The abuser:
a) Withholds sex or affection
b) Prevents you from using birth control or condoms to protect against sexually transmitted diseases
c) Forces you to engage in sexual acts
Apply the above information to an experience that you have had personally or have witnessed. Discuss the type of abuse that was experienced. Discuss the characteristics involved from above. Discuss the escape plan formulated and who assisted the victim in freeing themselves from the abuser.