Dating Violence Continuum

Physical Abuse Emotional & Psychological Abuse Sexual Abuse
Pinch/Squeeze Joking about habits/making insults Sexist jokes
Push/Shove Ignoring partner’s feelings Sexual objectification
Shake/Jerk Withholding approval as punishment Jealousy
Slap Yelling Minimizing partner’s feelings and needs regarding sex
Bite Name-calling Criticizing partner sexually
Push/Shake/Slap that bruises Calling partner a “sell-out" Unwanted touch
Punch/Hit Repeated insults/labeling Withholding sex and affection
Kick Threatening to “out” partner Sexual labels like “whore” or “frigid"
Choke Humiliation in private Always demanding sex
Throwing objects Ridiculing partner’s gender identity Forcing partner to watch sexual acts with others
Target physical blows to specific parts of the body Humiliation in public Demanding sex with threats
Use of household objects as weapons Blaming partner for all faults Forcing sex
Throwing person Threats of violence/retaliation Forcing sex with others
Restraining and physical blows Putting down partner’s abilities to act on own behalf Forcing uncomfortable sex
Abuse that requires medical treatment Hiding/destroying partner’s adaptive equipment Forcing sex after beatings
Use of conventional weapons Demanding all of partner’s attention/restricting contact with others Sadism
Abuse that leads to disfigurement or disability Unpredictable consequences or actions Murder
Murder Attacking sense of reality
Murder