Recognizing the Warning Signs of Abuse in Relationships

There is a life of happiness and love outside of abuse.
Many survivors of domestic abuse swear never to enter another abusive relationship after escaping, only to find the cycle repeating itself. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, it takes a victim seven times to leave before staying away for good. Detecting early signs of abuse can be more complex than it seems, with various types of abuse to look out for.
The Women's Center distributed a list of red flag behaviors for women seeking domestic violence counseling. If your partner displays the following behaviors, they may be signs of an abusive relationship.
1. They push for quick involvement
They come on strong, pressuring for exclusive commitment almost immediately.
2. They are excessively jealous
Your partner is possessive, calls constantly, or visits unexpectedly.
3. They exhibit controlling behavior
They interrogate intensely, check mileage on the car, keep all the money or ask for receipts, and insist on permission for everything. If your partner scares you, it's time to leave.
4. They have unrealistic expectations
Expecting perfection and meeting every need.
5. They isolate you
They try to cut you off from friends and family, deprive you of communication or transportation, or hinder job opportunities.
6. They blame others for their mistakes
It's always someone else's fault if anything goes wrong.
7. They make others responsible for their feelings
Instead of taking accountability, they blame others for their emotions.
8. They are hypersensitive
Easily insulted and rant about injustices.
9. They are cruel to animals and children
Brutal treatment of animals, and teasing children to tears.
10. They use force during sex
They enjoy holding you down against your will and intimidating you.
11. They subject you to verbal abuse
Constant criticism, degradation, and name-calling.
12. They enforce rigid gender roles
Expecting servitude, obedience, and confinement.
13. They have sudden mood swings
Switching between love and rage quickly.
14. They have a history of battering others
Admitting to past violence but blaming others.
15. They threaten violence
Making serious threats but dismissing them later.
If you've experienced any of these signs, you may be in an abusive relationship, which can have severe mental and physical health effects. If you've decided to leave, ensure you are ready, have a safety plan, leave promptly, and cut all ties to break free from the cycle of abuse.