Reach Out for Support

1. Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves the use of force that causes pain, injury, fear, or physical harm.
Examples of Physical Abuse
Hitting, slapping, punching, or kicking
Pushing or shoving
Choking or strangling
Throwing objects at someone
Burning or cutting
Blocking someone from leaving a room or home
Using weapons or threatening to use them
Signs of Physical Abuse
Frequent unexplained injuries
Bruises, cuts, or broken bones
Fear of a partner’s anger
Wearing clothing to cover injuries

2. Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse involves behavior designed to damage a person’s self-esteem, confidence, or emotional well-being.
Examples of Emotional Abuse
Constant criticism or insults
Humiliation in public or private
Blaming someone for everything
Threatening abandonment or punishment
Manipulating emotions
Making someone feel worthless or guilty
Signs of Emotional Abuse
Low self-esteem
Anxiety or depression
Fear of making mistakes
Feeling isolated or powerless

3. Psychological Abuse

Psychological abuse is similar to emotional abuse but focuses on creating fear, confusion, or mental distress.
Examples of Psychological Abuse
Threatening harm to a person, children, or pets
Intimidation or controlling behavior
Gaslighting (making someone question their memory or reality)
Constant monitoring or suspicion
Silent treatment used as punishment
Signs of Psychological Abuse
Feeling constantly anxious
Doubting personal judgment
Difficulty making decisions
Feeling trapped or controlled

4. Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse occurs when someone is forced, pressured, or manipulated into sexual activity without consent.
Examples of Sexual Abuse
Forced sexual activity
Unwanted touching
Sexual coercion or pressure
Refusing to respect boundaries
Preventing access to contraception
Sexual humiliation or threats
Signs of Sexual Abuse
Fear of intimacy
Physical pain or injury
Anxiety around sexual situations
Feelings of shame or distress

5. Financial or Economic Abuse

Financial abuse involves controlling a person’s access to money, employment, or financial independence.
Examples of Financial Abuse
Controlling bank accounts or wages
Preventing someone from working
Taking money without permission
Forcing someone into debt
Monitoring spending excessively
Hiding financial information
Signs of Financial Abuse
No access to personal money
Dependence on a partner for basic needs
Sudden unexplained debt
Being denied access to bills or accounts

6. Digital or Online Abuse

Digital abuse uses technology to control, harass, or monitor someone.
Examples of Digital Abuse
Tracking a person’s location through devices
Reading private messages without permission
Demanding passwords to social media or email accounts
Sending threatening or abusive messages
Posting embarrassing content online
Constantly checking phone activity
Signs of Digital Abuse
Fear of using devices around a partner
Privacy constantly invaded
Feeling watched or monitored online

7. Verbal Abuse

Verbal abuse involves harmful language used to intimidate, insult, or control someone.
Examples of Verbal Abuse
Name-calling
Shouting or yelling
Threats or aggressive language
Mocking or belittling
Constant criticism
Signs of Verbal Abuse
Fear of speaking openly
Feeling embarrassed or humiliated
Avoiding conflict to prevent shouting or insults

8. Coercive Control

Coercive control is a pattern of behavior that seeks to dominate another person’s life through rules, restrictions, and intimidation.
Examples of Coercive Control
Isolating someone from family and friends
Monitoring movements and communication
Controlling clothing or appearance
Setting strict rules
Threatening consequences for disobedience
Signs of Coercive Control
Loss of independence
Fear of upsetting a partner
Limited contact with loved ones
Constantly asking permission for daily activities

9. Social Abuse

Social abuse happens when someone isolates another person from friends, family, or support networks.
Examples of Social Abuse
Preventing contact with family or friends
Spreading rumors or lies
Embarrassing someone in social situations
Controlling social activities
Signs of Social Abuse
Withdrawal from relationships
Limited social interaction
Feeling alone or unsupported
Warning Signs of Domestic Abuse
Common warning signs may include:
Fear of a partner’s reactions
Sudden personality changes
Isolation from friends or family
Frequent apologies for a partner’s behavior
Signs of anxiety, depression, or low confidence
Controlling or jealous behavior from a partner

Frequently Asked Questions

 A court order that requires the abusive person to leave the home and stay away, including no violence or threats.

  • Can last up to 3 years
  • Breach is a criminal offence (report to An Garda Síochána)

 A short-term emergency order that removes the person from the home immediately.

  • Used when there is urgent risk
  • Lasts until the full court hearing

A court order that prohibits violence or threats, but the person can remain in the home.

  • Provides protection without removing the person

A temporary order given while waiting for a full court decision.

  • Offers immediate short-term protection
  • Usually granted at the first court appearance

A Safety Order is an instruction from the court which stops the person accused of abusive behaviour (the respondent) from being violent or making threats of violence. The respondent does not have to leave the home. If the person is not living with you, the safety order bans them from watching or being near your home, following or communicating (including electronically) with you or a dependent person such as a child. A safety order can last up to 5 years.

A Barring Order requires the person accused of abusive behaviour to leave the home and prohibits the person from entering the home again. The order also bans the person from being violent or making threats of violence; watching or being near your home, or following or communicating (including electronically) with you or a dependent person. A barring order can last up to 3 years.
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