Warning Signs and Abusive Behavior
Domestic violence and its warning signs are not always easy to detect. In the beginning, abusers may seem charming, kind and caring. They may go above and beyond to make you feel important, loved, and special. It is crucial to remember abuse does not particularly happen overnight and tends to be a gradual process with little to no warning. If you are in an abusive relationship do not blame yourself, for the warning signs are complex and sometimes nonexistent.
If you feel you are in an abusive relationship, ask yourself:
Does your partner:
- Stalk or harass you?
- Get angry easily or quickly?
- Intimidate you?
- Act excessively jealous or possessive?
- Isolate you from others?
- Prevent you from working or attending school?
- Withhold money from you?
- Blame or manipulate you?
- Control where you go and any means of communication?
- Humiliate, belittle, or embarrass you?
- Hit, push, or act in a violent manner towards you?
- Threaten to hurt you, friends, family, pets, or themselves?
- Force or pressure you into having sex?