Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, or a combination of any or all of these.

While physical abuse is the most easily recognized form of abuse, emotional and verbal abuse can be just as damaging, and it is often easier to overlook. Many people have difficulty identifying when a relationship is abusive. Abusive relationships often begin with small signs that are not always easy to recognize.

If you can relate to any of the following descriptions, you may be in an abusive relationship:

1. Your partner puts you down verbally or on social media

Does your partner constantly criticize you? Call you names? Make cutting remarks about your body, your intellect, your work, your parenting skills — anything at all? This form of verbal abuse can cause deep emotional scars.

A toxic partner may have no problem tearing you down publicly to make you feel small and insecure. If your partner makes it a habit of mocking your interests, passions, or appearance online or in a public setting, this is a huge red flag.

2. They control where you go or who you hang out with

Abusive partners may try to isolate you from family and friends or prevent you from going places without them. They may make excuses for why they don’t want you hanging out with other people (you look too good around other guys, your friends are bad influences, ect).

Abusers often try to cut their victims off from their friends and family so they have more control over them. If your friends and family express concern about your relationship, take it seriously.

3. They have a quick temper

An occasional loss of temper doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in an abusive relationship — losing your cool now and then is normal. But if your partner frequently loses his or her temper with you, that’s abusive behavior, especially if it involves violence.

4. Intense Jealousy

Is your partner extremely jealous? Do they check up on where you’ve been and who you’ve been with when you’re not together? Your partner should trust you and not pressure you into stopping certain friendships or activities because he or she doesn’t trust you.

5. Physical Violence

If your partner hits or physically hurts you in any way, leave the situation immediately and seek help from people who care about you.

6. You feel scared of your partner

If you are afraid of what your partner will say or do next, this is a telltale sign that your relationship has become abusive.

Conclusion

If you answered yes to any of the above, please understand that you are in an abusive relationship and you need to get out. You deserve a healthy relationship.

At Graff & Associates, LLC, we can help you obtain protection from abuse orders to keep you and your family safe. Call us today to schedule your free consultation!