WITH SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO:
PSYCHOLOGICAL / EMOTIONAL ABUSE
SOCIOCULTURAL ABUSE
SEXUAL MALTREATMENT (ABUSE) (25)
1. Introduction:
“Interpersonal violence” is an umbrella term that incorporates all types of
violent acts between acquaintances and between strangers.
South Africa is considered one of the countries with the highest level of
interpersonal violence.
Family violence is primarily perpetrated by men against women and
children.
It appears that violence against women is largely perpetrated by their
partners rather than by strangers.
Intimate partner violence is not limited to heterosexual relationships only,
but also occurs in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual relationship.
2. Definition of key concept(s):
Interpersonal violence:
Violence between individuals who are in some form of a relationship
Interpersonal violence can be subdivided into family and intimate partner
violence and community violence.
Family and intimate partner violence includes child maltreatment, intimate
partner violence and elder abuse.
Community violence is broken down into acquaintance and stranger
violence, includes youth violence, assault by strangers, violence related to
property crimes and violence in workplaces and/or other institutions.
This type of violence can occur among heterosexual or same-sex couples.
This type of violence can vary in frequency and severity.
It occurs on a continuum, ranging from one hit to chronic, severe battering.
3. Types of interpersonal violence, specific reference to:
Psychological / emotional abuse:
According to the Domestic Violence Act, psychological and emotional abuse
includes any behaviour associated with degrading or humiliating a complainant.
Emotional abuse goes far deeper than swearing, arguments, blaming, threats,
or manipulation.
It includes humiliation, denial of basic needs and means, and communication
intended to destroy another person’s self-esteem.
It can also include acts in which a partner prevents the other from
communicating with other people, limits their movements outside the house
(after the age of 18 years), humiliates the other in front of people, calls the
other crazy, possessed, or threatens to take them to a mental hospital/facility,
threatens to hurt them, or harm their children or other family members,