Physical abuse runs the gamut from pinching and poking to shoving, shaking, hitting, slapping, burning, pulling hair, choking, knocking down, kicking, physically confining, or beating. Sometimes threats implied by a look or gesture are as intimidating as force. Emotional abuse can be just as debilitating as physical harm. Economic abuse is an effective method used by some abusers to control someone. Often the victim is made to feel incompetent about finances.
Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual touching or intercourse.
It can and does occur between spouses, between children and their parents or other caretakers, between older and younger siblings. It occurs under force or threat of force, perhaps unspoken. Abuse makes victims feel afraid, trapped, humiliated, and ashamed. Adult victims generally have very low self esteem. They may have trouble making eye contact.