Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center
Information > Dating/Domestic Violence >Common Tactics Used by Abusive Partners
The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) states that intimate violence is primarily a crime against women, therefore the information on this page is gender specific. 22.1% of surveyed women, compared with 7.4% of surveyed men, reported they were physically assaulted by a current or former spouse, cohabiting partner, boyfriend, girlfriend, or date in their lifetime (2006 National Violence Against Women Survey, Department of Justice). Both SAPAC and SAFE House provide services to all survivors of dating/ domestic violence or sexual assault regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
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Common tactics used by abusive partners.
- Using Intimidation
- Using Emotional Abuse
- Using Isolation
- Minimizing, Denying, Blaming
- Using Children
- Using Male Privilege
- Using Economic Abuse
- Using Coercion and Threats
Each of the above tactics is used by the abuser to gain power and control over the victim. One or more parts may be present in an abusive relationship. No part is more important than another.
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