9 Types of Violence

Emotional violence involves controlling someone through manipulation, criticism, shame, or blame. It often includes patterns of behaviour that undermine self-esteem and mental health.
A common form is gaslighting, where the abuser makes the victim doubt their memory, perception, or sanity.

Examples:

  • Threats, intimidation, or insults

  • Monitoring or controlling behaviour (e.g., finances, friendships)

  • Isolation from friends and family

  • Deadnaming or denying someone’s gender identity

  • Constant criticism or humiliation

  • Extreme jealousy, accusations, or paranoia

Emotional Violence

Physical Violence

Physical violence is any intentional act causing bodily harm. Survivors often face long-term mental health impacts such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

Examples:

  • Hitting, kicking, or punching

  • Choking or strangling

  • Restraining or locking someone in/out

  • Throwing or breaking objects

  • Using or threatening to use weapons

  • Stalking or unwanted following

Financial Violence

Financial violence uses money and resources as tools of control. It can create dependency, fear, and limit personal freedom.

Examples:

  • Stealing money or using accounts without consent

  • Identity fraud

  • Pressuring someone to quit work or school

  • Controlling purchases or bank accounts

  • Criticizing spending or imposing financial rules

Long-term effects:
Victims may feel guilt, fear, or lack confidence in managing finances—even after leaving the situation.

Sexual Violence

Sexual violence includes any sexual act without consent, regardless of relationship to the victim. The responsibility always lies with the perpetrator, not the survivor.

Examples:

  • Forced sexual acts or touching

  • Removing a condom without consent

  • Forcing someone to send nude images

  • Sexual harassment—jokes, threats, or unwanted comments

  • Coercion to engage in sexual activity with others

Online/Cyberviolence

Online or cyberviolence targets individuals in digital spaces, often spilling into real life. It can be difficult to escape because harmful content may be shared repeatedly.

Examples:

  • Cyberstalking or persistent harassment

  • Sharing intimate images without consent

  • Threats or hate speech online

  • Gendered hate, sexualized comments, or degrading messages

  • Digital spying or monitoring online activity

Cultural Violence

Cultural violence happens when traditions, norms, or beliefs cause harm or uphold inequality.

Examples:

  • Structural Violence: Unequal access to education, healthcare, or jobs

  • Symbolic Violence: Language or stereotypes reinforcing inequality

  • Direct Violence: Hate crimes, domestic violence, or police brutality

Spiritual Violence

Spiritual violence uses religion or spirituality to manipulate, control, or harm.

Examples:

  • Religious coercion through fear, shame, or isolation

  • Misusing spiritual teachings to control behaviour

  • Psychological manipulation tied to beliefs

Verbal Abuse

Verbal abuse uses language to belittle, humiliate, or harm.

Examples:

  • Blaming or criticizing without reason

  • Humiliating in public or private

  • Threatening harm or consequences

  • Gaslighting by denying reality

Neglect

Neglect is the failure to meet someone’s basic needs when responsible for their care.

Examples:

  • Physical Neglect: Lack of shelter, food, or clothing

  • Emotional Neglect: Withholding affection, attention, or support

  • Medical Neglect: Not providing necessary medical or mental health care