Recognize the warning signs of abuse

Recognize the warning signs of abuse at the start of a new relationship, it’s not always easy to tell if it will later become abusive. In fact, many abusive people appear like ideal partners in the early stages of a relationship. The warning signs of abuse don’t always appear overnight and may emerge and intensify as the relationship grows. Yet, every relationship is certainly different, and domestic violence doesn’t always look the same. However, one feature shared by most abusive relationships is that the abusive partner tries to establish or gain power and control through many different methods at different moments.

Additionally, even one or two of these behaviors in a relationship is a red flag that abuse may be present.

Common signs of abusive behavior in a partner include:

• Telling you that you never do anything right.

• Showing extreme jealousy of your friends or time spent away from them.

• Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with others, particularly friends, family members, or peers.

• Insulting, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in front of other people.

• Preventing you from making your own decisions, including about working or attending school.

• Controlling finances in the household without discussion, such as taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses.

• Pressuring you to have sex or perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with.

• Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol.

• Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions.

• Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets.

• Intimidating you with weapons like guns, knives, bats, or mace.

• Destroying your belongings or your home.