Types of violence
So you can recognise the situation and understand the next step
What it is
Domestic violence is not “just arguments.” It is repeated pressure, control, or harm in a relationship where it is hard for a person to protect themselves.
How to recognise it
If there is a threat to life or health, contact emergency services.
Domestic violence is not “just arguments.” It is repeated pressure, control, or harm in a relationship where it is hard for a person to protect themselves.
How to recognise it
- you’re afraid to say “no” or feel like you’re constantly “walking on eggshells”
- your communication, movements, or access to money is restricted
- you are humiliated, blamed, threatened, or blackmailed
- after outbursts there is a “honeymoon period,” promises, and then it repeats again
- save 1–2 trusted contacts
- think of a safe place you can go if it gets worse
- if you can, document evidence (messages, photos, recordings)
If there is a threat to life or health, contact emergency services.
What it is
Psychological violence is pressure that breaks confidence and makes you doubt yourself: humiliation, intimidation, control, and manipulation.
How to recognise it
Psychological violence is pressure that breaks confidence and makes you doubt yourself: humiliation, intimidation, control, and manipulation.
How to recognise it
- you are regularly devalued, mocked, or humiliated
- you are made to believe “something is wrong with you,” “you imagined it”
- you are isolated: “don’t talk to anyone,” “don’t tell anyone”
- you keep justifying yourself and feel guilty for everything
- write down 2–3 specific examples of what is happening (for yourself)
- talk to someone you trust to regain support and stability
- seek psychological support — it helps you get out of the fog
What it is
Economic violence is when money is used as a tool of control: restricting access, forbidding work, taking income away, creating dependence.
How to recognise it
Economic violence is when money is used as a tool of control: restricting access, forbidding work, taking income away, creating dependence.
How to recognise it
- you are not allowed to manage your own money/cards/documents
- you are forced to report every purchase or “ask for” money
- you are forbidden to work or study
- debts/loans are taken out in your name against your will
- if possible, build a reserve: a small amount “for an emergency exit”
- collect/photograph important documents
- consult a lawyer: protection options depend on the situation
What it is
Physical violence is any act that causes pain or harm: hitting, pushing, choking, restraining, deprivation of liberty, threats with a weapon.
How to recognise it
Important: even “just once” is already a warning sign. If it happened, the risk of it happening again usually increases.
What you can do right now
If there is a risk it may happen again today/right now, it’s safer to act via emergency services and crisis contacts.
Physical violence is any act that causes pain or harm: hitting, pushing, choking, restraining, deprivation of liberty, threats with a weapon.
How to recognise it
Important: even “just once” is already a warning sign. If it happened, the risk of it happening again usually increases.
What you can do right now
- think of a safe place and a person you can reach out to
- if there are injuries, document them medically (if possible)
- keep evidence: photos, messages, witnesses
If there is a risk it may happen again today/right now, it’s safer to act via emergency services and crisis contacts.
What it is
Sexual violence is any sexual act without consent. Consent is a freely given “yes,” without fear or pressure.
How to recognise it
Sexual violence is any sexual act without consent. Consent is a freely given “yes,” without fear or pressure.
How to recognise it
- you are coerced, pressured, threatened, blackmailed
- “no” is ignored
- afterwards you feel fear, disgust, numbness, or guilt — this is a normal response to trauma
- your safety matters more than evidence: first, get to a safe place
- you can seek medical and psychological support
- a legal consultation can help you understand your options
What it is
Digital violence is control and pressure through technology: passwords, accounts, geolocation, surveillance, posts, blackmail.
How to recognise it
Learn more
Digital violence is control and pressure through technology: passwords, accounts, geolocation, surveillance, posts, blackmail.
How to recognise it
- they demand access to your phone/social media and check your messages
- they read your messages without permission, install “control” apps
- they threaten to leak messages/photos/videos
- they track your location
- check privacy settings on accounts and devices (if it’s safe)
- it’s better to change passwords and settings from a safe place
- keep evidence of blackmail/threats
Learn more
What it is
Stalking is when someone obsessively follows you, seeks contact, “accidentally” appears, writes/calls, threatens, or intimidates.
How to recognise it
Stalking is when someone obsessively follows you, seeks contact, “accidentally” appears, writes/calls, threatens, or intimidates.
How to recognise it
- repeated calls/messages despite your refusal
- “accidental” meetings, following, watching
- threats to you or your loved ones, pressure through acquaintances
- you start changing routes, clothes, habits out of fear
- record each incident (date/time/screenshots)
- tell loved ones so you’re not alone
- discuss possible actions and documentation with a lawyer
What it is
A threat or blackmail is when you are forced to do something “or it will get worse”: exposure, violence, pressure on children/family, dismissal, etc.
How to recognise it
A threat or blackmail is when you are forced to do something “or it will get worse”: exposure, violence, pressure on children/family, dismissal, etc.
How to recognise it
- conditions are set: “do it and I won’t…”
- you are forced to stay silent, isolated
- you feel like “there is no way out” — this is a typical effect of pressure
- don’t stay alone with this: support reduces the power of blackmail
- keep evidence of threats
- seek a consultation: sometimes one correct step changes everything
Abuse is systematic cruel treatment and control in a relationship, where one person uses power, fear, pressure, or manipulation to dominate another. It is not a “quarrel” and not a “difficult personality” — it is behaviour that causes harm and takes away freedom.
How abuse usually looks
One emotional argument, mutual resentment, different views — this can be a problem, but abuse is a system of control and harm, not a one-time conflict.
What you can do right now
If you recognise your situation, it’s important not to stay alone. Talk to someone you trust, document facts (messages, dates), and if needed, seek help.
How abuse usually looks
- Control: “who are you with,” “where are you,” bans, checking the phone, demands to report.
- Humiliation and devaluation: mocking, insults, “you’re worth nothing,” shame, public humiliation.
- Manipulation and pressure: guilt, threats (“I’ll leave / I’ll take the children / I’ll tell everyone”), blackmail.
- Isolation: distancing from friends/family, damaging relationships with loved ones.
- Economic control: taking money, forbidding work, forcing explanations for spending.
- Sexual pressure: coercion, “you must,” violation of boundaries.
- Physical violence: pushing, hitting, “accidental” injuries, damaging things, демонстрация силы.
- It repeats and becomes the norm.
- There is fear: you adapt so you “don’t provoke.”
- There is inequality: one decides, the other endures.
- After outbursts there may be “honey”: apologies, gifts, promises — and the cycle repeats.
One emotional argument, mutual resentment, different views — this can be a problem, but abuse is a system of control and harm, not a one-time conflict.
What you can do right now
If you recognise your situation, it’s important not to stay alone. Talk to someone you trust, document facts (messages, dates), and if needed, seek help.
Since 2010, we have provided direct support to survivors of violence and human trafficking, as well as people at risk. We develop education programmes and awareness campaigns.
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Since 2010, we’ve provided direct support to survivors of violence and human trafficking, as well as people at risk, and we develop education programmes and awareness campaigns.
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