The Many Ways in Which Abuse Can Occur

I started to write an article on Elder Abuse but I got more information than I bargained for and decided to expand the target topic to generalized abuse; it is a very important and sad topic.

As a child growing up and as an adult, I witnessed different types of abuses. I saw elder abuse; spousal abuse; child abuse, physical, emotional, verbal and mental abuse. That is a lot of abuse, but, even that number and list does not complete the potential topic. In fact, it would take a lifetime; I'm sure, to exhaust just part of the subject.

The main abuses that I have become aware of are:

"...Sexual abuse: The improper use of another person for sexual purposes, generally without their consent or under physical or psychological pressure (which may include children whether abused by parents, those in loco parentis or strangers).

Physical abuse: Where one person inflicts physical violence or pain on another.

Verbal abuse: When a person uses profanity, demeaning talk, or threatening statements.

Emotional abuse or psychological abuse: coercion, humiliation, intimidation, relational aggression, parental alienation or covert incest: Where one person uses emotional or psychological coercion to compel another to do something they do not want, or is not in their best interests; or when one person manipulates another's emotional or psychological state for their own ends; or, commits psychological aggression using ostensibly non-violent methods to inflict mental or emotional violence or pain on another. .

Child abuse: Abuse, usually physical, emotional or sexual, directed at a child.

Spousal abuse (or domestic violence): Abuse, usually physical, or psychological abuse, directed at one's spouse.

Elder abuse: Abuse, most often physical or in the form of psychological threats, directed at the elderly, especially in nursing homes and similar institutions..." (Wilkipedia Abuse)

I watched several forms of abuse in my family and, I am sure that it exists in many families. All you have to is read the newspaper.

What are the signs of abuse?