Abusive Relationship

There is a woman abused in America every nine seconds. Three women are murdered each day by their husbands.  Although the majority of this violence is aimed towards women, there are more and more men who are becoming victims of the abuse as well. In fact, more than 3 million men made reports of violence in their relationship in 2014.

One in every four women will experience some form of domestic violence during their lifetime. These statistics are shocking but very much a realty . Whether you’re a man or a woman it is important to be able to identify the signs that you might be in an abusive relationship.

Abuse can be physical and emotional. Often, it is a combination of both that is experienced in an abusive relationship.

Physical abuse signs are pretty obvious: Your partner hits, chokes, kicks or otherwise causes physical harm to you. If your partner has made threats to hit you but hasn’t yet, this is still a warning sign that there might be trouble brewing in the air.

Other signs indicative of an abusive relationship:

  • Your partner is controlling
  • Your partner doesn’t want you to spend time with anyone else
  • Threatens to hurt himself/herself if you leave
  • Wants to become serious very quickly
  • Mood swings

So often people play emotional abuse off as no big deal when in reality it is often more painful than any punch, kick or choke could be. Even if your partner has not become physically abusive, you should get help if you are experiencing emotional abuse. Signs of emotional abuse include:

  • Your partner isolates you from family or friends. Sometimes this is by way of threats or intimidation.
  • Your spouse calls you derogatory and hurtful names
  • Insults you, tells you that you are worthless and that no one else will want you
  • Blames you for all of the abuse and problems in the relationship
  • Partner puts you in constant fear
  • Jealous to extreme levels
  • Manipulates you

Love should never hurt, and violence is never okay. Help is available for anyone who thinks they are being abused and need to get away. Counseling, private shelters, assistance with orders of protection and many other services can help those who have experienced any type of abuse in their life.

In the U.S., call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-699-SAFE. In the UK, call the National Domestic Violence Helpline at 0808 2000 247.