Abusive Relationships

Healthy relationships involve respect, trust, and consideration for the other person. Abusive relationships don’t have these qualities. The abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual or financial. It can involve violence, intimidation, threats, insults or psychological manipulation.

Important warning signs that you may be involved in an abusive relationship include when someone:

• harms you physically in any way, including slapping, pushing, grabbing, shaking, smacking, kicking, and punching

• there's constant jealousy. Your partner is excessively possessive, calls constantly, or visits unexpectedly.

• tries to control different aspects of your life, such as how you dress, who you hang out with, and what you say

• has a past of battering. Admits to hitting their partner in the past, but states that they or the situation brought it on.

• uses "playful" force during sex. He enjoys throwing you down or holding you down against your will; he finds the idea of rape exciting. He intimidates, manipulates or forces you to engage in unwanted sex acts.

• frequently humiliates you or makes you feel unworthy

• has sudden mood swings. Switches from loving to angry in a matter of minutes.

• threatens to harm you, or to self-harm, if you leave the relationship

• twists the truth to make you feel you are to blame for your partner's actions

• demands to know where you are at all times

• makes subtle threats that might be disguised as a “suggestion” to help you.

No one deserves to be in a relationship where they don’t feel safe.Seek help from local support services in your area. Find people who love and support you and listen to them. Trust your instincts. If it doesn't feel right it probably isn't.