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As we argued in the living room, I never saw it coming. I never thought he’d do this to me. I mean, he didn’t hit me, but there was a huge gaping hole that was now in the wall next to my head.
1) Jealousy:
In the beginning, this would come across as a sign of love. In reality, it is insecurity and possessiveness.
2) Controlling Behavior:
Concern is the word often used, but it quickly becomes evident that freedom of choice and respect is going out the window.
3) Quick Involvement:
In other words, going to fast in a relationship. It takes time to get to know someone, jumping ahead into intimacy or living together is often out of pressure with abusers.
4) Unrealistic Expectations:
They become dependent on you for all their needs. Starting off as “You’re all I need” will turn into, “It’s your fault” because no one can be everything to anyone.
5) Isolation:
Every moment can be filled by the abuser, this can become a habit during the “Quick Involvement” stage and before you know it any relationship with friends or family is considered as interfering. This can go to the extremes of moving to an isolated area, not allowing transportation or having a job.
6) Blaming Others For Problems:
It is possible that accountability is not in the vocabulary of abusers. You tell me!
7) Blames Others For Emotions:
Extreme emotions are used as a tool for manipulating their partner, work environment, and family.
8) Hypersensitivity:
Easily insulted, angered, rant and rave about the injustice done to them over matters that are just a part of life or accountability.
9) Cruelty to Animals or Children:
60% of People who abuse their partner also abuse their children. Seen and not heard is seen at all. May expect children to do more than their age can understand or be capable of. Can be cruel to animals and even be insensitive to their pain or suffering.
10) “Playful” Use of Force in Sex:
They may hold down a partner during sex, show that rape excites them, want or demand unnatural sex acts. They may start having sex with the partner while they are ill or sleeping and use sulking or anger to manipulate them into compliance.
11) Verbal Abuse:
Saying things that are meant to be hurtful and cruel. Running down any accomplishments, making things up and twisting events to suit them. They may also cause a fight to suit their own purpose, such as an excuse to leave without communicating with their partner.
12) Rigid Sex Roles:
They expect their partner to serve them and obey them in all things – even things that are criminal in nature. They see their partner as inferior, stupid and unable to be a whole person without a relationship.
13) Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde:
Sudden behavior changes that are not some mental problem. Emotion and mood swings are typical of people who abuse their partner.
14) Past Physical Abuse:
Anyone they have ever hit in the past made them do it, they will say. Watching a movie may bring out a remark that shows their true heart towards women and violence. They do not volunteer this information, usually.
15) Threats of Violence:
Threatening to hunt you down if you ever leave. A fist raised, doors slammed, loud intimidating behavior. Threatening to commit suicide if you leave them.
16) Breaking or Striking Objects:
Such as breaking your possessions as a punishment, used mostly to terrorize the partner into submission. Puts holes in walls with fist, knives or guns.
17) Any Force Used During an Argument:
This may involve a person holding their partner down, physically restraining them from leaving. Pushing, shoving, slapping or hitting.
Protective behavior can turn to control for instance and at first feel secure and be justified in some way. However, there is that instinct telling you that something is not quite right. Is there unbalance in the relationship? Do you find yourself saying they will change? Do you find that you will do almost anything to please them, things that you would not normally do?
If you feel that you are in an abusive relationship, please read my post on How You Can Out of an Abusive Relationship.
If you are not sure if you’re being abused or not I highly recommend the following book.
It was after reading this book I realized how much abuse I had actually been enduring.
Remember, if you do not feel safe you do have options and resources. Contact your local abuse shelter or if you’re not sure you can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) to find a local resource. You can also go to the National Domestic Violence website. You can text someone, read research regarding abuse and find many other resources. You’re NOT alone, you can get help. Everyone deserves to live a safe and happy life.
[…] has a really good man in her life. I, on the other hand, was not so lucky. I should have seen the warning signs (see my post on relationship warning signs) well before I married my 1st husband, but I ignored […]