Abuse Signs and Symptoms
Domestic violence/abuse can take many forms (physical, sexual, verbal, emotional) and it is not always observable. It is a “pattern of behavior used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.” It is not always possible to tell if a relationship will become abusive and can develop as time goes on. It can affect anyone of any race, age, gender, economic or educational background. The underlying thread is that an abusive partner wants to have power and control over the other partner. This can manifest in different ways and here are some of the signs:
- Insults, shames you
- Jealous of your time spent with others – prevents you from seeing friends and family
- Says that you can’t do anything right
- Controls money or will not give you money for necessities
- Behaves in ways that scare you
- Pressures you to have sex when you don’t want to or do things sexually you are not comfortable with
- Threatens to harm you, your children or your pets
If some or any of these apply to your relationship we urge you to get help today. No one has the right to treat you this way.
FIND HELP AND SUPPORT TODAY!
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
Crisis Text Hotline: Text HOME to 741741
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 800-656-4673
