Examples of Physical Abuse or Neglect

  • Slaps, hits, punches, pinches, bites, kicks, throws things at partner, spits at partner, etc.
  • Puts their hands on partner’s neck in a threatening way or strangles partner, even for a short time
  • Uses a weapon
  • Deliberately drives recklessly or forbids partner from wearing a seatbelt
  • Restrains partner or blocks partner from leaving a room, car or other space
  • Handles partner’s body roughly during caregiving
  • Takes away or restricts partner’s access to assistive devices (wheelchair, walker, glasses, hearing aids, etc.)
  • Threatens to use partner’s mental health history against them in court or medical settings
  • Deliberately gives partner too much or too little medication
  • Blocks partner’s access to healthcare, medication, and/or health insurance
  • Refuses to pay medical bills or co-payments
  • Blocks partner from calling 911 or other response in an emergency situation
  • Prevents or interferes with partner being able to eat or sleep
  • Manipulates or forces partner to do things they are not comfortable with or find too strenuous (such as workouts, long hikes, or other activities)
  • Interferes with partner’s participation in a substance misuse recovery program