Physical Abuse refers to the intentional use of physical force against another person, leading to bodily harm. It’s one of the most blatant forms of abuse, and it can have lasting physical and emotional effects on the victim.
Physical Abuse is the intentional act of violent behavior, including beating, kicking, choking, burning, and biting. It can result in bodily injuries, permanent damage, or even death. Such abuse is most frequently observed between a parent and child or between intimate partners.
Identifiable Victim Markers (IVMs):
• Addictions: Turning to substances as a coping mechanism to deal with the trauma.
• Anxiety: Constant fear of further abuse or anxiety surrounding the events of the abuse.
• Avoidance: Avoiding places, people, or situations that might trigger memories of the abuse.
• Compliance: Obeying the abuser’s commands out of fear of further violence.
• Conditioned Beliefs: Believing myths or falsehoods about the abuse, often perpetuated by the abuser.
• Dissociation: Mentally disconnecting from the pain or trauma of the abuse.
• Emotionally Numb: Becoming emotionally detached as a way to cope with the pain.
• Isolation: Withdrawing from friends or family who might intervene or offer support.
• Minimization: Minimizing the severity of the abuse or its impact, often as a coping strategy.
• Nervousness: Chronic nervousness or agitation, especially in situations that remind them of the abuse.
• Reactive: Quick emotional reactions to triggers that remind them of the abuse.
• Self-blame: Blaming oneself for the abuse or believing they caused or deserved it.
• Self-criticism: Persistent self-criticism or low self-esteem resulting from the abuse.
