Glossary of Terms

Child Abuse - physical maltreatment or sexual molestation of a child.

Coercive Control - refers to a pattern of controlling behaviours that create an unequal power dynamic in a relationship. These behaviours give the perpetrator power over their partner, making it difficult for them to leave.


Emotional Abuse - often called ‘Psychological Abuse’ is a form of abuse, characterised by a person subjecting or exposing another person to behaviour that may result in psychological trauma, including anxiety, chronic depression, or posttraumatic stress disorder.

Financial Abuse - is a form of family violence. It can include withholding money, controlling all the household spending or refusing to include you in financial decisions.

Gaslighting - manipulate (someone) by psychological means into doubting their own sanity.

Harassment - aggressive pressure or intimidation.

Love-bombing - is an attempt to influence a person by demonstrations of attention and affection. It can be used in different ways and for either positive or negative purposes. Psychologists have identified love bombing as a possible part of a cycle of abuse and have warned against it.

Manipulation - to manage or influence skilfully, especially in an unfair manner.


Neglect - occurs when a person deliberately withholds, or fails to provide, suitable and adequate care and support needed by another adult. It may be through a lack of knowledge or awareness, or through a decision not to act when they know the adult in their care needs help.

Physical Abuse - is any intentional act causing injury or trauma to another person or animal by way of bodily contact. Alternative terms sometimes used include physical assault or physical violence, and may also include sexual abuse. Physical abuse may involve more than one abuser, and more than one victim.

Sexual Abuse - also referred to as molestation, is abusive sexual behaviour by one person upon another. It is often perpetrated using force or by taking advantage of another.

Spiritual Abuse - happens when someone uses spiritual or religious beliefs to hurt, scare or control you. It can involve someone forcing you or your children to participate in spiritual or religious practices when you don't want to. It can also involve someone refusing to allow you to participate in spiritual or religious practices that are important to you.

Stalking - is unwanted and/or repeated surveillance by an individual or group toward another person.

Trauma Bond - is a psychological response to abuse. It occurs when the abused person forms an unhealthy bond with the person who abuses them.

Triangulation - is a manipulation tactic where one person will not communicate directly with another person, instead using a third person to relay communication to the second, thus forming a triangle.

Verbal Abuse - When someone repeatedly uses words to demean, frighten, or control someone, it's considered verbal abuse.