You chose them because they were kind, respectful and caring — at first. But their behavior has changed. This person isn’t the person you thought they were. You feel scared, isolated, helpless. Has your relationship become abusive?
More than 1 in 3 women, more than 1 in 4 men, and 1 in 2 transgender individuals in the U.S. have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Relationship abuse, also known as domestic violence or intimate partner violence (IPV), is a pattern of behaviors used to maintain power and control over a partner in an intimate relationship. It can happen to anyone at any age and at any point in the relationship.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and an opportunity to recognize the signs of relationship abuse and how to get help.
Warning signs of abuse
The foundation of abusive relationships is control. It may start with verbal abuse. An abuser may begin to track your every move or accuse you of being unfaithful. They may restrict your access to friends and family and control money. They may become physically violent.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline lists some common signs of abusive behavior in a partner:
- Telling you that you never do anything right
- Showing jealousy of your friends and time spent away
- Keeping you/discouraging you from spending time with others
- Insulting, demeaning or shaming you with put-downs
- Controlling household finances, taking/refusing to give you money
- Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets
- Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions
- Intimidating you with guns, knives or other weapons
- Pressuring you to have sex when you don’t want to or aren’t comfortable
- Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol
- Destroying your property or belongings
- Preventing you from making your own decisions
How to help yourself or a friend/family member
For many people who experience abuse at the hands of a partner, leaving isn’t easy. On average, it takes an average of seven times for a victim to leave before leaving permanently, due to barriers and fears.
There are many reasons why a victim might stay in an abusive relationship, from a fear of heightened violence to a belief that they, the victim, are to blame. It can be incredibly difficult to leave, so how do you take that first step?
If you notice any signs of abuse in your own relationship or if you think a loved one may be in trouble, it helps to be prepared in case you or your loved one need to leave quickly. One way is to prepare ahead with a “go bag” and a safety plan.