Signs of an Abusive Relationship

Abusive relationships are progressive. They do not begin with physical or sexual violence. Instead, tactics are used to gain control over the victim before hitting, kicking, biting, pushing or unwanted sexual activity is introduced. The following are signs of an abusive relationship.

• Emotional Abuse (name calling, criticizing, “joking” in a demeaning or embarrassing way)
• Intimidation (uses threats, looks or gestures to scare partner; breaking objects)
• Isolation (uses jealousy to control what partner does, who he/she sees, where he/she goes)
• Denies Responsibility (minimizes, denies or blames partner for emotions and behavior
• Uses Children (threatens to harm the children or take them away from the partner
• Financial Control (keeps partner from working or takes paychecks; demands account of all spending)