“What helped me the most was a neighbor who confronted me when she hardly knew me and offered to help whenever I was ready to take the first step.”
—Teresa, survivor of domestic violence
Signs of an Abusive Relationship
Something’s just not right in your relationship, and you can’t put your finger on it.
Most often, victims report that their abusive relationships did not start that way. In the beginning their partner was polite, charming and kind. Over time, however, warning signs emerge. If your partner displays a combination of the behaviors listed below then he/she may become abusive. Take notice of these behaviors and take them seriously. Talk to someone about the changes you see in your partner.
Take notice of these behaviors and take them seriously. Talk to someone about the changes you see in your partner.
Warning Signs of Abuse
- Gets too close, too fast
Pressures you into a serious relationship right away
- Always has to know where you are
Calls constantly; visits without warning; checks the mileage on your car; tracks you with mobile devices
- Is controlling
Insists you ask permission to go anywhere or do anything
- Isolates you
Stops you from seeing friends or family or from going to work, church or school functions
- Blames you for his/her feelings
Says “You make me angry” instead of “I am angry”
- Is cruel to animals
Is violent toward pets or other animals; mistreats, abuses, or kills them
- Displays “playful” use of force
Throws or holds you down; forces you to be intimate and doesn’t accept no for an answer
- Verbally/emotionally assaults
Constantly says cruel, hurtful things; curses and calls you names; publicly humiliates you
- Displays sudden mood swings
Quickly switches from sweet and loving to angry and violent
- Hurts you financially
Makes demands about how you spend your money; monitors your spending through your receipts, bank account or check book
If you see any of these warning signs in your relationship please call 214.941.1991