Signs Of Abusive Relationship

If you are unsure of what the signs of an abusive relationship look like this list can help. Whether it is you that is suffering from abuse, a friend, or a loved one, being able to recognize the signs of abuse is the first step to getting out or helping someone get out of the relationship and away from the abuser. Abuse is not only physical, it can be emotional as well. Many times an abuser will partake in both physical and emotional abuse. If you want to be able to recognize the signs of an abusive relationship, keep reading.

1. Jealousy and possessiveness. If a man or a woman has a tendency to become very jealous and angry about even the smallest of things, it may be a sign that the person is abusive. If he or she tries to isolate you from your friends, family, and co-workers and views his or her partner and children as their property instead of as individuals it is a sign of an abusive relationship. When a partner accuses you of cheating or flirting with others without cause and constantly demands to know where you have been and with whom in an accusatory manner, this is another sign of abuse.
2. Control. If you or someone you know is in a relationship where one partner has all the control, financially and otherwise, it is a sign that the relationship is abusive. If it comes to your attention that a partner is overly demanding of one’s time and must be the center of their significant other’s attention and becomes angry if he or she shows signs of independence or strength, realize that this is a sign of abuse in the relationship.
3. Mood swings. An abusive individual can have sudden and extreme mood swings. A person’s mood may switch from aggressive and abusive to apologetic and loving after abuse has occurred.
4. Manipulation. Abusers manipulate situations so that the blame does not go to them it goes to someone else. If the person doing the abusing can make it seem as though it is not his or her fault, then the person can become brutally abusive.
5. Frequent punishment. An emotionally abusive individual may withhold sex, emotional and physical intimacy, or give the “cold shoulder” to their partner. An abuser will punish their partner when he or she does not get their way. The abuser may also verbally abuse their partner by putting him or her down or frequently criticizing them.
6. Broken promises. When a person’s actions frequently do not match their words it could be another sign of an abusive relationship. An abuser may say “I love you” and then abuse their partner.
7. Bruises and wounds. If you notice that a person has unexplained bruises and wounds it could be a sign of abuse. Often times the person receiving abuse may not even complain about their wounds and the pain they bring.