What is Domestic Violence About the Issue | Signs of Abuse | Types of Abuse | Online Resources TYPES OF ABUSE Physical Abuse is any forceful or violent physical behavior. Sexual Abuse is any non-consenting sexual act or behavior. Emotional Abuse includes hurting another person's feeling by saying cruel, unfair comments or by name-calling. Psychological Abuse is any threat to do bodily harm to a partner, child, family member, friends, pets or one's self (suicide). Psychological abuse involves not only hurt and anger, but fear and degradation. Psychological abuse can render you emotionally insecure about your own self worth, and can make you helpless to escape further physical, sexual and/or psychological abuse. If you feel that you or someone you know may be in an abusive relationship, read more about the signs of abuse.