Signs You’re in an Abusive Relationship
While an abusive relationship often involves physical or sexual abuse, those are not the only forms that abuse takes. Abusive relationships are also characterized by emotional manipulation, even financial control. Here are some subtle signs that a relationship may have crossed over into the abusive category.
Possessiveness
Your partner needs to know where you are and who you are with at all times, even to the point of telling you where you can and cannot go, or even insisting on tracking you via GPS. They may be controlling of your spending, keeping close tabs on what you spend where. They may tell you that they are only trying to keep you safe.
Jealousy
Your partner is hyper-aware of any potential ‘competition’ and may make you feel guilty by accusing you of flirting or being unfaithful. They may isolate you from family or other friends, insisting that all of your time is spent only with them. They may try to instill suspicion against others in your mind as a means to justify their actions, insisting that they are looking out for you.
Threats
Your partner has either threatened you, a loved one, or a pet outright, or has broken or threatened to break something you own. They may yell and pout, instilling fear with their words. They may ‘return to normal’ soon afterwards, seeming sorry for their actions. They may be extraordinarily charming and kind after these outbursts and you may excuse the behavior.
Insults
Your partner makes you feel inferior by putting you down in any way. They may make demeaning comments about your looks, your intelligence, your abilities, or your mental or physical health. These comments may be made in front of other people, or they may not be. They compare you to other people, and you always fall short. They tell you that ‘no one else will want you.’ You may start to believe them and feel that you are, in fact, a horrible person, and that you probably deserve this treatment.
If you or someone you know, is in an abusive relationship please contact OneEighty’s Main Office at 330.264.8498 for support. OneEighty is the primary service provider in Wayne and Holmes counties for individuals and families affected by domestic abuse and sexual assault. If you need assistance or resources call the OneEighty 24 hours Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.686.1122