Signs of an Abusive Relationship

I have been there  and I have done it. I’ve been in an abusive relationship.  I didn’t know the signs,  and I wish someone had told me.  I want to share them with you.  I hope that this will help someone.  Whether you tell someone you think is being abused or if you yourself is being abused, please read on.

HERE ARE THE SIGNS OF AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP

Do you:

* feel afraid most of the time of getting into “trouble” ?

* feel that you can’t do anything right or feel that you did wrong?

* believe that you deserve to be hurt or mistreated?

* wonder if you’re the one who is deserving of all this?

* feel no emotions at all whatsoever?

* feel he criticize or yells at you?

* afraid to go out in public, even to a family function, because of bruising on  your body?

* feel he ignores you or makes you feel stupid?

* noticed that he forces you to have sex when you don’t want to and then punishes you for it later

There are different types of domestic abuse, including emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Many abusers actually perform more than one type of abuse.  They can be physical and emotional at the same time.  Putting you down and then physically hurting you for it.  They can also be sexually abusing you.  They can force you to do sexual activities after you have already said no.  I have been there and this is ABUSE.

Emotional abuse is done to attack your feelings.  You can feel that without your spouse or significant other you will have nothing.  You couldn’t survive without him/her.  He/She makes you feel this way.

Emotional abuse also includes verbal abuse.  This includes  yelling, name calling and blaming you for things that you did not do.  Isolation and controlling behaviors are also emotional abuse.  Not allowing you to see your family or friends.  Telling you where and when  you may leave the house.  These are some signs of isolation and controlling behavior.  Most of the time when you are being emotionally abused, you are also being threatened with physical violence.  Emotionally abuse can leave you with very real  feelings that can last for a lifetime.

Physical abuse is dangerous.  This form of abuse can land you in the hospital.  When I experienced this abuse I was afraid and embarsed to leave my home.  I was afraid of the “What did you do to yoursel..” I was not allowed to visit family or friends.  Physical abuse is the use of  force against you in a way that can  hurt or endanger you.   This can include:  hitting, grabbing, choking, throwing things, and assault with a weapon. This is a CRIME.

Below is the Domestic Violence Hotline:

1-800-799-SAFE

Use it if need be or share it with someone who does need it.  It’s there for us.  It’s  there to help.  Let’s all take a part in helping to stop domestic violence.  One voice that can be heard can save many.