It occurs within all age ranges, ethnic backgrounds, and economic levels. Abuse happens within heterosexual relationships and in same-sex partnerships. An abuser doesn’t “play fair.” An abuser uses fear, guilt, shame, and intimidation to wear you down and keep you under their thumb.ĭomestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone it does not discriminate. Domestic violence and abuse are used for one purpose and one purpose only: to gain and maintain total control over you. But domestic abuse includes any attempt by one person in a marriage or intimate relationship to dominate and control the other. When people think of domestic abuse, they often focus on domestic violence. Domestic abuse Domestic Violence and Abuse Are you or someone you care about in an abusive relationship? Here’s how to recognize the signs of domestic abuse-physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, or financial-and get help.