This free printable poster, “The Different Types of Abusers”, is a downloadable PDF that explains common patterns of abusive and controlling behaviour in domestic abuse and domestic violence. It describes different types of abusers, including the bully, the controller, the entitled one, the victim, the charm switcher, the romantic pressure builder, the rescuer, the punisher, the possessive one, the rule maker, the mind twister, the financial holder and the image protector. For each type, the poster gives clear, simple examples of what relationship abuse can look like in everyday life, such as shouting, threats, put downs, jealousy, checking phones and messages, stalking, gaslighting, emotional blackmail, financial control and keeping a perfect public image while being cruel or cold at home. It shows how these behaviours can make a partner or family member feel scared, confused, guilty, ashamed, trapped or constantly on edge.
This resource is designed to support work around domestic abuse, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, coercive control and unhealthy relationships. It can help adults, teenagers and young people recognise early warning signs and red flags in relationships, including emotional abuse, psychological abuse, controlling behaviour, financial abuse and patterns of power and control in family life. The clear descriptions can be used to start conversations about safety, boundaries, feelings and self worth, and to validate the experiences of people who sense that something is wrong but struggle to name what is happening.
The poster is free for individuals and not for profit organisations to use in their work with families and in training. It can be printed and displayed in offices, refuges, schools, counselling rooms, GP surgeries and community settings, or used in one to one sessions and group work by social workers, domestic abuse workers, counsellors, therapists, youth workers, teachers, foster carers, adoptive parents and other professionals. It is a practical, visual awareness raising tool for anyone supporting children, young people and adults affected by domestic abuse, domestic violence, family violence or toxic and controlling relationships.
