There are different types of family violence. The abuse may be physical, or non-physical, or a combination of both. Neither can be classified as less damaging, and the damage is real, whichever way it is meted out.

Physical abuse

• Causes physical hurt to a family member. This could be punching, kicking, pushing, choking, slapping, or hitting with objects.
• Causes harm to a family member's health. For example, denying food or water, sleep, shelter, or medicine.

Verbal, Emotional/Psychological abuse

• Damages a family member's self-worth. For example insulting, humiliating, or name-calling.
• Puts a family-member in fear. For example, by screaming, making threats, harassing, or destroying property.