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Warning signs of abuse
If someone is abusing you they might:• put you down and act superior
• do all of the talking and dominate the conversation
• try to keep you away from family and friends
• check up on you all the time
• hit or slap you, or force you to have sex when you don’t want to
• threaten to hurt you, your children, pets or property
• make direct or indirect threats involving firearms or other weapon
• minimize his or her violent behavior
• say he or she can’t live without you and threaten suicide
• have a history of abusing others, even animals
• act extremely jealous and suspicious
• show no regard for the law
• use access to your children to harass you
• do other things to hurt you physically or emotionally
If someone is doing one or more of these things to you, that is a warning sign that you are in an abusive relationship.
If you are being abused you might:
• make exuses for the abusive behavior
• have limited access to your friends and family
• have limited access to a phone, a computer or money
• be nervous about talking when the person is there
• try to cover up bruises
• fear for your life and for the safety of children or pets
• make excuses and avoid people on the street
• be in denial and unable to see the risk
• blame yourself for the violent behavior and “walk around on eggshells”
• feel sad, lonely, withdrawn and afraid
• be sick more often and miss work
• be defensive and angry
• cope by using drugs or alcohol
If you have experienced any of these things, it is a warning sign that you are in an abusive relationship.
The risk of abuse may be even greater if:
• you are pregnant or have young children
• the person has access to weapons
• the person has a history of abuse with others
• the person has threatened to harm or kill, including children, pets or property
• there is alcohol or drug abuse
• the person has used physical violence in the past
• the person is going through major life changes such as job loss or depression
• you are involved in another relationship or the person thinks that you are
• there is a custody issue concerning the children
• you are recently separated or planning to separate from the person
Please take these warning signs seriously and get help.
