Which type of abuse involves threats of self-harm to control a partner?

Emotional abuse is characterized by the use of psychological manipulation to control another person, which can include threats of self-harm. This form of abuse aims to instill fear and maintain power over the partner, often making the victim feel responsible for the abuser’s well-being. By threatening self-harm, the abuser creates a coercive environment where the victim may feel obligated to comply with demands in order to prevent harm to the abuser, thereby reinforcing the abuser's control.

In contrast, physical abuse primarily involves the use of violence or threats of violence. Sexual abuse refers to any non-consensual sexual acts, and financial abuse involves controlling a partner's access to financial resources. Each of these forms of abuse has distinct characteristics, but emotional abuse specifically relates to the use of psychological tactics, such as threats of self-harm, to exert control.