When thinking of domestic violence, one immediately thinks of physical violence. While this is not the only type of abuse, it is definitely one of the predominant types. Physical violence can include slapping, punching, kicking, pushing, choking, throwing things and assault with a weapon.

Emotional, or psychological abuse, is much more common than many people realize and often times will go hand in hand with physical abuse. The signs of emotional abuse are not as obvious; it leaves no visible, physical scars. But it does leave the victim with deep emotional and mental trauma that often stays with them for years, even long after they've left their abusers. Emotional abuse includes verbal abuse such as yelling, name-calling, blaming, and shaming. Isolation, intimidation, controlling behavior and threats of physical violence also fall into this category. Emotional abuse erodes the victim's self worth and self esteem. Due to the destruction of their self esteem, the victims are left feeling hopeless, helpless, alone, and ashamed. Often times believing they have no place to go (and they frequently don't due to the alienation factor)...they are afraid of leaving and that they will be unable to make it on their own.

Sexual abuse is also a common occurrence in abusive relationships. This type of abuse happens anytime sexual acts of any kind are forced upon the victim. Coercing, intimidating, degrading, or manipulating the victim into sexual acts falls into this category as well. It does not necessarily have to be forced. The victim may be manipulated into believing that having sex will keep the peace or keep the abuser at bay, even for a little while. The abuser will make the victim feel as if they are 'owed' or that the victim is obligated (for example, due to marriage, religion, etc.). The victim often times is frightened by what the consequences may be if they do not do as the abuser desires. Anytime a sexual act is not wanted by the victim, it is sexual abuse.

Economic or financial abuse is one of the lesser known forms of abuse. Though it is not known as well as physical, emotional or sexual abuse, it is a very common factor in abusive relationships. It can take many forms, and may not appear as abusive to the victim at the time. It may come across to them as being 'taken care of'. Financial or economic abuse may include controlling the finances, withholding money or credit/debit cards, giving the victim an allowance, making the victim account for every penny spent, stealing from them or taking their money, exploiting the victim's assets for their own personal gain, withholding basic necessities (food, clothes, medication, shelter), preventing the victim from working or having a career (may also include preventing them from going back to school), and sabotaging the victim's job.