of their attacks are hidden under clothing. For many
women there is a real and constant threat of death because of the seriousness of the abuse.
Sexual abuse in the home is domestic violence. Sexual intercourse without consent is sexual assault. Sexual assault may or may not involve physical force. Sexual abuse is unwanted sexual contact. Many men still believe that they have the right to unlimited sexual access to their wives. Verbal abuse consists of derogatory comments, insults and constant put-downs. Lack of physical attractiveness, inferiority, inability to cope and
succeed on her own and being told that she is not a good mother/wife/housekeeper. Over time this constant humiliation will destroy a women's belief in herself and severely affect her self-esteem. She begins to take on the abusive descriptions as if they are real and therefore may start to believe that she's worthless, that the violence is her fault. It must be kept in mind that responsibility for the violence lies solely with the perpetrator, not the victim. Threats are very common form of verbal abuse, aimed at terrorizing the woman to such and extent that the abuser is in total control. Threats by a man to kill a woman if she
leaves him are often reported by victims of domestic violence.
Emotional abuse closely linked to verbal abuse, these behaviors are also aimed at terrorizing the victim and stripping her of her self-confidence. Behaviors include destroying household/personal property deliberately hurting/injuring/killing domestic pets, deprivation of essential personal needs such as food, sleep, sanitary items ect. The power which they give in order to manipulate and intimidate the other partner. A range of behavior is involved, including verbal abuse intended to destroy the other persons self-esteem. For example, a perpetrator's behavior may lead to his partner to believe she is
insane, stupid or useless. The effect is often cumulative, occurri...