Brandy doesn’t talk about what kind of abuse it was, and the truth is there are multiple types. Physical abuse is usually taken the most seriously, but abuse is abuse, and no one should have to put up with any type of it. Here are a few different kinds of abuse that are out there:”
+ Emotional/Verbal Abuse
There are a number of ways a bf or gf might be emotionally or verbally abusive to their partner. They might scream at their partner, or call them names, put them down, or shame them. They might stalk their partner, or threaten to hurt their partner or themselves if there’s a breakup.
+ Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is when a bf or gf forces their partner into sexual acts they don’t want to do. It could also mean a bf or gf pressuring their partner to do sexual things. Also, remember if you consent to something one time, it doesn’t mean that you can’t say “No” another time. It’s your body, and you get to decide what happens to it.
+ Digital Abuse
Digital abuse is when a person uses the digital world to control or hurt their partner. They might spy on them online, forbid them from friending people on Facebook, or send them cruel and threatening texts, etc.
+ Physical Abuse
Physical abuse includes hitting, grabbing, pulling hair and pushing, etc. Some people might think if it doesn’t hurt it’s not abuse, but that’s not true. It is not okay for another person to treat you this way, ever.
In the episode, Brandy also mentions how people would tell her that the guy in her past relationship was not good for her. “I just felt like it was my fault,” she said. This is something called victim-blaming, where you blame the victim instead of the abuser. It is never the victim’s fault. The abuser chose to abuse someone; it’s on them.
Someone who’s being abused should never feel ashamed or feel that people will judge them if they reach out for help. There are people here to help, and if you or someone you know is in any kind of an abusive relationship, please reach out to Love is Respect; you can call them at 1-866-331-9474 or text “loveis” to 22522.
Photo: (Catfish)