CAS
Social abuse
- Social abuse is a form of domestic and family violence that aims to cut you off from your friends, family, community or cultural networks.
- It can take away your freedom, limit your access to support and make you rely on the person using violence.
- If you or someone you know is experiencing social abuse, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit our website for online chat and video call services – available 24/7.
What can social abuse look like?
- Stopping or discouraging you from contacting friends or family
- Monitoring or controlling your social media and communications
- Embarrassing or manipulating you in public
- Stopping you from being part of community, religious or cultural events.
Social abuse is often non-physical but it is harmful. It can lead to long lasting psychological trauma and detachment.
What are controlling social behaviours?
Controlling social behaviors are a set of coercive control tactics. They aim to isolate, manipulate and control your social environment. It takes away your freedom and access to support.
An Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) study from 2021-2022 has shown:
Of the 431,000 women who experienced emotional abuse by their current partner:
- 85% experienced threatening or degrading behaviors
- 37% experienced controlling social behaviors
- 33% experienced controlling economic behaviors
Of the 1.9 million women who experienced emotional abuse by a previous partner:
- 90% experienced threatening or degrading behaviors
- 63% experienced controlling social behaviors
- 59% experienced controlling economic behaviors
Of the 1.1 million men who experienced emotional abuse by a previous partner:
- 87% experienced threatening or degrading behaviors
- 56% experienced controlling social behaviors
- 51% experienced controlling economic behaviors
This shows that non-physical tactics are often used at the same time, rather than by themselves.
What are the effects and outcomes of social abuse?
There can be short- and long-term effects on those who have experienced social abuse. These can include:
- Losing contact and support from family and friends
- Relying on the person using violence for support and social needs
- Hiding or feeling embarrassed because of concerns their reputation has been damaged
- Feeling alone or depressed.
Knowing these outcomes helps to recognising the full scope of harm caused by non-physical forms of violence, such as social abuse.
1800RESPECT provides a trauma-informed approach to support you. We acknowledge the complexity of people’s experiences and promote healing through:
- Connection
- Safety
- Empowerment.
Social abuse can include things done in the home, in public, over the phone, or on the internet and social media.
Social abuse can be carried out by anyone, including:
- Current or former partners (such as boyfriends, girlfriends or spouses)
- Parents, guardians, or other family members
- Adult children
- Carers or paid support workers
- Housemates or people you live with
- People you see often, whether inside or outside the home.
No one should control who you see, stop you from getting help, or try to ruin your reputation. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and connected.
