Am I in an abusive relationship?
Goal
To recognize warning signs of an abusive relationship.
There are many kinds of abuse: physical, mental, emotional, financial, or sexual. However, abusive relationships often share warning signs. If your partner shows one or more of the following signs, you may be in an abusive relationship:
- Feels the need to control your behaviors
- Says things like “I can’t live without you” or “You are my whole world”
- Blames you for their problems
- Keeps you from seeing your family and/or friends
- Wants to constantly know your whereabouts
- Stalks your online behavior on the internet
- Humiliates you in public
- Criticizes your weight or physical appearance
- Forces you to have sex or perform sexual acts
- Becomes angry when you do not follow their advice
- Becomes angry when you have your own opinion
- Is jealous of your job, friends, and/or children
- Pressures you to take steps in the relationship you aren’t ready for (for example living together or getting married)
- Shows signs of violent behavior
- Has a history of violent behavior and/or abusive relationships
- Hits you, your children, or pets
It can be hard to admit that a relationship is unsafe. However, recognizing and acknowledging the warning signs is the first step to getting to a safe place.
Reflection Exercise
| How do you see signs of an abusive relationship in your relationship? |
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