Domestic Violence, Physical Abuse, and Sexual Assault can seem confusing
We want to break each own down and help you understand each one a little bit more
Let's break it down in simple terms
What's the difference?
The main difference comes from the fact that sexual assault has to be sexual. Domestic violence does not inherently have to be sexual, although it can occur. Domestic violence covers a large range of labels, such as physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, coercion, or even technological. Physical abuse can happen both in and outside of intimate relationships. Often, physical abuse is part of domestic violence, but can also stand alone (in cases such as elder abuse, child abuse, or assault by a non-partner). Essentially, sexual assault can be a form of domestic violence by someone in a domestic or intimate relationship, and physical abuse can be done by anyone. Sexual and physical assault do not require a relationship, yet domestic violence does.
What can they look like?
Sexual assault can be anything from unwanted physical acts (groping, touching, kissing, grabbing, forced sex), coercion (pressure of sex, threats, manipulation), lack of consent, or even sexual photos and self-exposure without consent. Domestic violence can be anything that uses power and control in a relationship (or former), which includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, isolation, financial abuse, sexual abuse, and technological abuse.
Dynamics and Patterns
Dynamics are the behaviors that shape the abusive relationship. Some common dynamics include: power and control (one person wants contol over the other), the cycle of abuse, manipulation (gaslighting, use of fear, guilt, responsibility, coercion), dependency (abuser may make emotional or financial dependence on the victim), denial (abuser denies actions), minimization (abuser downplays actions), and isolation (the abuser cuts off support). Patterns are repeated behaviors done by the abuser. Some patterns include: repeated insults, threats, intimidation, escalating violence, increased control over money, movement, technology, sexual pressure, coercion, stalking, and monitoring.
Warning signs
Warning signs can be really difficult to detect. Here are some that can apply to an abusive relationship. Changes in behavior such as extreame jelousy or possesiveness, excessive calling or texting (that is unwanted), phone or location monitoring, dictating who you can communicate with, sudden mood changes, isolation, and blaming (in regard to an absive episode blaming the victim). Excessive use of insults, humiliation, gaslighting, emotional pressure are some other warning signs. Suddetly taking contol of all finances (without the partners say) can be a warning sign too. Overall anything that makes a partner afraid, forced to do something, and emotionally put down can be a warning sign based off of the partners perception.
What are some hurdles to leaving
It can be difficult to leave a situation like this, and many times, there are hurdles that block the way out and prevent victims from speaking out. In domestic violence relationships, this could include fear of retaliation by the partner, financial dependence, isolation from friends and family, concerns for pets or children, and even hopes that the abuser will change in the future. In sexual assault cases, many times, the fear of being shamed or judged, the fear of not being believed, self-blame, lack of a safe place to go, and minimization can prevent people from seeking help after the assault occurs.