Do You Notice Any of This in Your Relationship?

You may be in an abusive relationship if he or she:

·         Is jealous or possessive toward you.

·         Tries to control you by being very bossy or demanding.

·         Tries to isolate you by demanding you cut off social contacts and friendships.

·         Is violent and / or loses his or her temper quickly.

·         Pressures you sexually, demands sexual activities you are not comfortable with.

·         Abuses drugs or alcohol.

·         Claims you are responsible for his or her emotional state.

·         Blames you when he or she mistreats you.

·         Has a history of bad relationships.

·         Your family and friends have warned you about the person or told you that they are concerned for your safety or emotional well being.

·         You frequently worry about how he or she will react to things you say or do

·         Makes "jokes" that shame, humiliate or embarrass you, weather privately or around family and friends.

·         Your partner grew up witnessing an abusive parental relationship, and/or was abused as a child.

·         Your partner "rages" when they feel hurt, shame, fear or loss of control.

·         Both parties in abusive relationships may develop or progress in drug or alcohol dependence in a (dysfunctional) attempt to cope with the pain.

·         You leave and then return to your partner repeatedly, against the advice of your friends, family and loved ones.  

·         You have trouble ending the relationship, even though you know inside it's the right thing to do.  



Alternatively, ask yourself does the person you love...

·         Constantly keep track of your time?

·         Act jealous and possessive?

·         Accuse you of being unfaithful or flirting?

·         Discourage your relationships with friends and family?

·         Prevent or discourage you from working, interacting with friends or attending school?

·         Constantly criticize or belittle you?

·         Control all finances and force you to account for what you spend? (Except for reasonable cooperative household budgeting)

·         Humiliate you in front of others? (Including "nasty jokes" about you)

·         Destroy or take your personal property or sentimental items?

·         Have affairs?

·         Threaten to hurt you, your children or pets? Threaten to use a weapon?

·         Push, hit, slap, punch, kick, or bite you or your children?

·         Force you to have intercourse against your will?