Am I Being Abused?

It can be difficult to acknowledge that you, or someone you care about, is involved in an abusive relationship. Domestic Violence does not look the same in all relationships; however, there are some warning signs that may indicate you are in an unhealthy relationship.

Signs of an Abusive Relationship

Your Inner Thoughts & Feelings

Do you:

• Feel afraid of your partner much of the time?
• Avoid certain topics out of fear of angering your partner?
• Feel that you can’t do anything right for your partner?
• Believe that you deserve to be hurt or mistreated?
• Wonder if you’re the one who is crazy?
• Feel emotionally numb or helpless?

Belittling Behavior

Does your Partner:

• Humiliate, criticize, or yell at you?
• Treat you so badly that you’re embarrassed for your friends or family to see?
• Ignore or put down your opinions or accomplishments?
• Blame you for his own abusive behavior?
• See you as property or a sex object, rather than as a person?

Violent Behavior or Threats

Does your partner :

• Have a bad and unpredictable temper?
• Hurt you, or threaten to kill you?
• Threaten to take your children away or harm them?
• Threaten to commit suicide if you leave?
• Force you to have sex?
• Destroy your belongings?
• Threaten or harm family pets?

Controlling Behavior

Does your partner:

• Act excessively jealous and possessive?
• Control where you go or what you do?
• Keep you from seeing your friends or family?
• Limit your access to money, the phone, or the car?
• Constantly check up on you?