Signs of an Abusive Relationship
- Do they have an unpredictable temper? Are they like Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde?
- Do they blame you for everything?
- Do they bring up the past things you’ve done?
- Have you had to stop seeing friends and family?
- Do they monitor and want to control what you do and who you see?
- Do they monopolize your time?
- Do they control your finances?
- Do they accuse you of being unfaithful?
- Does their personality change when in private vs. when in public?
What are some red flags to look out for in a potential dating partner or spouse?
- They wants to move too quickly into the relationship.
- Early in the relationship, they flatter you constantly, or they seem “too good to be true.”
- They want you all to themself; insists that you stop spending time with your friends or family.
- They insist that you stop participating in hobbies or activities, want you to quit school or quit your job.
- They ask you for money or to use your credit card.
- They are excessively jealous and accuse you of being unfaithful.
- They want to know where you are all the time and frequently call, email, and text you throughout the day, or they come to your work unannounced.
- They criticize or put you down; they say you are crazy, stupid, or unattractive, or that no one else would ever want or love you.
- They take no responsibility for their behavior and blame others.
- They have a history of abusing others.
- They blame the failure of previous relationships on their former partner; for example, “My ex was totally crazy.”
- They begin to be violent – shoves, pushes, slaps, pinches, etc. that start to escalate to more intense abuse.
Remember…
- You are not alone. Approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience an abusive relationship at some point in their lives.
- You are not the cause of someone else’s violent behavior.
- You do not deserve to be abused.
- You have the right to expect respect.
- You have the right to seek help.
- You have the right to make your own choices, including the decision to leave an abusive relationship.
