Abuse

Domestic abuse is when the person abusing you is a relative or is closely connected to you. It can be your spouse, a family member, or caregiver. Abuse can occur regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or any other reason. When the abuser is your current or former partner, it is called abuse in close relationships.

It is abuse when someone hurts you or makes you feel bad. It is against the law to abuse others.

All children have a right to protection against violence. It is the adults’ responsibility to guard this. If you know, or suspect that a child is being abused, you must report it. Serious bullying, negligence or risk behaviour must also be reported. Good communication and education is a good base to prevent violence and put a stop to it as quickly as possible.

Sexual abuse is when someone touches you inappropriately or sexually or forces you to perform a sexual act against your will. Sexual harassment with words or action is also abuse.

People in marginalized groups often have to tolerate behaviors that others do not.

Human trafficking is when someone takes advantage of another person to make money or gain other benefits. This is called to exploit someone.

It is emotional abuse when someone threatens you or deliberately tries to scare, humiliate, isolate or ignore you. It's also sometimes called psychological abuse.

Physical abuse and violence are when someone hurts you physically, like with pinching, shoving, kicking, or punching. Threats of physical abuse are also physical violence.

If someone repeatedly harasses, follows or threatens you or monitors you, they are a stalker and their behaviour is called stalking.

Digital abuse is when someone uses technology or technological devices to monitor, harass, threaten, or humiliate you.

When someone uses a spiritual practice or religion to frighten you, hurt you or control you, it is called religious abuse.