Abuse can happen in many forms.

Violence and Abuse in Intimate Partner Relationships. A person deliberately harms their intimate partner through verbal, physical, emotional, psychological or sexualized ways. Violence and Abuse can occur in heterosexual and same sex/gender relationships.

Violence and Abuse in other Relationships. People may use abuse or violence in family relationships, in friendships, at work, school or at home (for instance, a landlord or roommate).

Sexualized Abuse or Violence. An assault that is acted out sexually. Any unwanted sexualized contact including by an intimate partner.

Most abuse occurs by a person known to the other person.