When people think of violence, they naturally think about punches, kicks, or attacking someone with a weapon. However, that is only one type of violence on a list of eight.
All these types of violence – or abuse, in other words – can be harmful to men, women, and children. That’s why many individuals are shocked to find themselves charged with acts of violence they never knew could be committed.
The violence of any sort in Canada is considered a criminal offence and results in lengthy prison terms and sentences. It can also include rehabilitation courses and undergoing court-ordered therapy. It all depends on the nature of the violence, why it was caused and how often it happened. In many cases, these acts of violence occur simultaneously.
Having a thorough understanding of the different types of violence can help you avoid unconsciously doing it or stopping someone close to you from doing it.
Your Guide to the 8 Types of Violence
Physical Violence – Perhaps the most common type of violence. Also known as assault, physical violence includes hitting, choking, punching, kicking, pushing, grabbing, or throwing someone. It can also include physical attacks with a weapon. Anything that causes physical pain and injury to a person is considered under this umbrella.
Sexual Violence – This includes acts such as harassment, abuse, or rape. When someone is forcibly pressured, forced to have unwanted sex, or made to perform sexual acts (such as taking or distributing explicit photos without their consent), it is considered an act of sexual violence. Even critical and sexual insults are considered.
Threats to You & Others – Threatening someone is considered an act of violence as you are making unwanted violence advances towards a person. It can be anything that slightly suggests pain or abuse to an individual, their family, or their property. The same applies to stalking, as there is a veiled threat behind it.
Psychological Violence – Also known as emotional abuse, this form of violence refers to isolating, creating fear, manipulating, or threatening a person. It can also include blaming the person for incidents, gaslighting situations, withholding affection, and not allowing people to see others. In essence, the abuser seeks to control and undermine the victim’s self-work, self-esteem, and independence.
Financial Violence – Restricting someone’s right to make a purchase, taking control of their finances, holding their credit cards, and only giving people a small allowance are signs of financial abuse. This results in the victim being entirely in control of the abuser financially, which means less power in their own lives.
Neglect – This act of violence occurs when a family member or person, who has a duty of care over an individual, neglects their basic needs. These can include not providing proper food, clothing, adequate health care, medication, and personal hygiene, failing to prevent physical harm and not offering adequate supervision. This can happen to anyone: seniors, partners, and children.
Spiritual Violence – When attacking someone’s religious beliefs, such as not allowing them to participate in it, making fun of them, or attacking them physically or verbally, you commit spiritual violence. It can also include using their religious beliefs to shame or manipulate them, forcing children to be raised in a faith that neither partner agrees, or using religious texts and ideas to rationalize abusive behaviors, such as physical, financial, emotional, or sexual.
Technology-Assisted Abuse – The use of cell phones, computers, and social networks to stalk, bully, harass, or intimate people is called technology abuse. It can include patterns of cyberstalking (such as making unwanted advances online) or cyberbullying (repeatedly inflicting harm through electronic devices). It can also include scams, threats, or theft of personal information and finances.
If You Have Been Charged Or Know Someone That Has Been Charged…
Being charged with violence can destroy your life, particularly if you are innocent or did it by mistake. If you have been charged by law enforcement or know someone who has, it is best to contact an assault or domestic violence lawyer to help you with your case.
If you are guilty, you should admit it to your lawyer so that they can build a strategy around your rehabilitation and future. The likelihood is that you will receive a punishment, but it can be minimized if you accept responsibility and undergo treatment.
Whether you are guilty or innocent, with their experience and guidance, they can help you manage your case, understand what went wrong and provide you with valuable information on how you can proceed from here.