Other forms of violence

Psychological violence is one of the most common but least visible forms of abuse, as it manifests itself without physical aggression but deeply affects the emotional balance, self-esteem, and social functioning of the individual. It is defined as a repetitive pattern of behavior aimed at controlling, belittling, intimidating, or emotionally weakening the victim.

Psychological violence can manifest itself in many ways. Common forms include verbal abuse, constant belittling, sarcasm and disparagement, which gradually erode the individual’s self-esteem. Equally important are forms such as emotional blackmail, shifting responsibility, manipulation through guilt and systematic distortion of reality (gaslighting) so that the victim questions their perception and judgement.

Psychological violence can also manifest itself through social isolation, excessive control, passive-aggressive behavior, emotional withdrawal, and constant undermining of the individual’s autonomy.

The effects are often severe and long-lasting. Victims may experience increased anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, guilt, difficulty making decisions, and social withdrawal. In chronic cases, it can cause traumatic stress and significant disruption to daily functioning.

Recognizing psychological violence is a key challenge, as it is often normalized or underestimated. Awareness, emotional empowerment of individuals, and the development of support structures are critical factors in the prevention and timely treatment of this widespread but often invisible phenomenon.

It includes, among other things, cyberbullying involving electronic threats and the dissemination of false information, financial abuse through control of money and resources, stalking involving persistent unwanted surveillance, as well as institutional violence where systemic practices within organizations destroy personal dignity and autonomy.

Cyberviolence

Cyberviolence is a modern form of violence that occurs through digital media and online platforms, such as social networks, messaging apps, and online forums.

Although it does not necessarily involve physical assault, it can have serious psychological, social, and professional consequences. It is characterized by the speed at which content spreads and the continuous exposure of the victim, as harmful material can remain available for a long time. It is facilitated by the potential anonymity of the online perpetrator.

The most common form of online violence is cyberbullying, which involves repeated insults, threats, aggressive or unwanted messages, shaming, or systematic targeting of an individual. Related to this is cyberstalking, i.e. persistent monitoring and threatening behaviour that causes fear and insecurity.

Another common form is the non-consensual dissemination of personal data or images (doxing and revenge pornography), where private information or material is made public without permission, with the aim of exposing or blackmailing the victim. Hate speech is also a significant form of online violence, as it targets individuals or groups based on characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

In addition, there are phenomena such as online impersonation, the dissemination of false information for the purpose of defamation, and coordinated mass attacks (online mobbing), in which many users attack one person at the same time.

Recognizing these forms is crucial for prevention and timely intervention. Strengthening digital literacy, developing reporting mechanisms, and fostering a culture of responsible online behavior are key tools for creating safer digital communities.

If you are experiencing cyberbullying

Financial or economic violence refers to behaviours that control, limit, or exploit a person’s access to money, employment, or financial resources, reducing their independence and ability to support themselves.

It is often used as a form of control, creating dependence and making it harder for the person to leave unsafe or harmful situations. Economic abuse is now widely recognized as a distinct form of interpersonal violence. This form of violence commonly occurs within intimate partner and family relationships but may also arise in caregiving, elder abuse, or coercive control contexts.

Examples include preventing someone from working or continuing education, controlling their income, restricting access to bank accounts, hiding financial information, forcing debt in their name, stealing money, or refusing to contribute to basic living expenses.

It may also involve interfering with employment, damaging credit, or withholding necessities such as food, housing, or medical care.
Consequences include financial insecurity, housing instability, and reduced access to healthcare. Economic abuse can keep individuals trapped in unsafe and abusive environments and may continue even after a relationship ends, affecting long-term well-being and recovery of the victim.

More about Financial abuse

Institutional violence refers to forms of abuse, neglect, or degradation of dignity that occur within organizations and structures whose mission is to care for, educate, protect, or support people.

It can occur in places such as hospitals, elderly care facilities, child protection institutions, shelters, schools, correctional facilities, or social welfare services.

Institutional violence can manifest itself in direct acts of violence, such as physical, psychological, or verbal abuse by individuals working in a facility. Such behavior may include humiliating treatment, threats, unjustified restrictions on freedom, or neglect of the basic needs of people who are accommodated or receive services.

At the same time, violence can also occur between the people staying in a facility. In environments where many people live together, often in conditions of limited resources, lack of privacy, or inadequate supervision, incidents of intimidation, aggression, or abuse may occur among residents. When such incidents are not prevented or dealt with effectively, they also constitute a form of institutional violence.

These phenomena are often linked to staff shortages, inadequate training, limited resources, or weak supervision and control mechanisms. The consequences of institutional violence can be serious and long-lasting, severely affecting people’s physical and mental health as well as their sense of security.

For this reason, systematic training and awareness-raising of staff is particularly important in order to recognize the signs of abuse in a timely manner, prevent conflicts, and ensure respect for the rights of all individuals living in the facilities. At the same time, supporting employees and preventing burnout are critical factors in maintaining a safe and healthy care environment. In addition, adequate staffing of facilities and the active participation of residents themselves in decisions that affect them can contribute to the creation of safe and humane environments.

More about Institutional Violence

Sources: 2026 EU gender-based violence survey – Evidence for policy and practice, FRA, Eurostat, European Institute for Gender Equality. Figures are indicative; verify latest data before publication.

29.9% of women experienced psychological violence by their partner. This includes humiliation, jealousy, intimidation or controlling behaviours.
For 12.7% it happens frequently. Where additional questions were asked, 20.3% of women have experienced economic violence by their partner, such as not being allowed to work and a lack of control over family finances.
32.9% of girls experienced physical or emotional violence at the hands of their parents. This can create a cycle of violence as women who experienced childhood sexual abuse are three to four times more likely to face sexual violence as adults.
8.5% of women were cyberstalked and 7% of working women were harassed sexually online. 10.2% had their location monitored or tracked by their intimate partner.

Organizations, helplines, and support resources.

Other forms of violence

Emotional / PsychologicalViolence

Where you Find it

Cyberviolence

Financial Abuse

Institutional Violence

Statistics on violence in Europe

Economic and psychological intimate partner violence are common but less visible

How to ask for help

Safe Support Resources

Emotional / Psychological
Violence