It is a common misconception that domestic violence always requires physical bodily contact. According to Texas law, domestic abuse can involve threatening to cause bodily injury or intentionally committing an action to offend or provoke the person you have a relationship with. By understanding the other types of domestic abuse, you may find yourself in a better position to defend yourself against unfair domestic violence charges.
So, what are the other types of domestic abuse?
Psychological abuse
Psychological abuse is when someone plays mind games to intimidate or control you. It includes preventing you or someone you love from leaving the house. They can try to isolate you from others. They may also threaten to cause you or the people you love harm. Their threats may place you in a state of imminent fear for your life and the lives of others.
Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse can be hard to prove, but it is when another individual is overly critical, using harsh words to anger or hurt you. They target your emotions by vexing and humiliating you. It can involve embarrassing you in front of family or strangers. Another way they can toy with your emotions is by withholding attention and affection.
Economic abuse
Economic abuse is using finances to manipulate you. In relationships where one is the primary breadwinner, that person can withhold funds and prevent their partner from working or receiving an education. The partner becomes financially dependent on them.
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse does not only constitute rape or sexual assault, but it can also include any unwelcome touching. Consent is the primary determinant in any sexually related claim. Forcing a partner to take birth control pills or pressuring them into getting an abortion are also forms of sexual abuse.
Technological abuse
Technological abuse is when your partner or family member uses texting and social media to harass, intimidate or torment you.
We already know physical violence is illegal. The victim does not even need to sustain serious bodily injury if they can prove their partner or family member was even the slightest bit violent. But abuse comes in a variety of forms. The person accusing you of domestic violence could be the very person effecting the abuse.
