Abuse

What is abuse?

Abuse is the mistreatment of a woman, child or man. It may be physical, emotional or sexual. It may be in the form of violence, harassment or threats. It can take place at home, work, in the street or over the phone.

Examples of physical abuse

• pushing, slapping, punching, kicking, choking, biting or shoving
• throwing objects at you or use of a weapon
• refusing you help when you are sick, injured or pregnant
• abandoning you in a dangerous place

Examples of sexual abuse

• rape
• withholding sex and affection
• affairs with others after agreed-upon monogamy
• forced unwanted sexual acts
• forced sex after beatings
• sadistic acts

Examples of emotional abuse

• threats of harm to you, your family or possessions
• deprivation of money, sleep or affection
• harassment at work
• insults or verbal abuse
• any behavior that causes emotional pain
• imprisonment

Resources (area code 414)*89

Advocates for Battered Women	278-4679
Domestic Abuse Project	447-8634
Domestic Violence Project	278-4792
Milwaukee Womens Center (shelter)	272-6199
Milwaukee Womens Refuge (24 hour crisis line)	671-6140
Milwaukee Victim Assistance Program	265-7563
Task Force on Battered Women	643-5455
Family Crisis Center (24 hour crisis line)	265-7555
Sojourner Truth House (24 hour crisis line)	933-2722
Batterers Anonymous	342-8433
Nevermore (24 hour men's crisis line)	445-4044

No one deserves to be abused! If you believe you are in an abusive relationship, speak to your physician or get help from one of the resources listed above.

David A. Severance, MD
Family Physician,
Lincoln Avenue Clinic

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.