Learning the language of abuse
Gender-based violence
Gender-based violence is any harm committed against a person because of their sex or gender.
Domestic violence
Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive and manipulative behaviors committed against a current or former intimate partner to gain power and control. Intimate partner violence, relationship violence and dating violence are all terms used to refer to a relationship that is abusive.
You can read more in our Surviving Domestic Violence Booklet
Sexual Violence
Sexual violence is any sexual behavior or contact that occurs without consent. It can be physical, it can be coercive, it can be verbal, and it can happen online. Only we should be able to decide what happens to our bodies, and it is never our fault when someone chooses to violate that right.
You can read more in our Surviving Sexual Violence Booklet
Stalking
Stalking is a pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, contact, or any other behavior directed at a specific person that makes them afraid. Stalking behavior can include many things, such as following, monitoring, and/or using technology.