Afraid or Being Hurt?

29 Aug 2021

If things don’t feel right in your relationship, they usually aren’t.

AM I IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP?

Everyone has disagreements with their partners, family members and those close to them from time to time. We all have arguments and do things at times that we regret, which cause unhappiness to those we care about.

However, if this begins to form a consistent pattern, then it is an indication of domestic violence and abuse.

THE SIGNS OF ABUSE

Below are tell-tale signs of an abusive relationship:

Excessively jealous and/or possessive partners

Charming behaviour one minute and abusive the next. Sudden changes of mood

Preventing you from seeing your family and friends. Leaving a feeling of isolation

Constant criticism, putting you down in public.

Embarrassing you, often in front of family and friends.

Playing mind games that make you unsure of your own judgment.

Altering your own behaviour because you are frightened of your partner’s reaction.

Blaming you for their behaviour e.g. they say you were “asking for it”.

Saying you are useless and couldn’t cope without him.

Controlling your money.

Telling you what to wear, who to see, where to go and what to think.

Pressuring you to have sex when you don’t want to.

Monitoring your movements. Checking up on you via your email, social media accounts or by looking at your text messages.

Use of anger and intimidation to frighten you and make you comply with demands.

Threatening or intimidating you by using violent language or smashing up the furniture.

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you may be experiencing domestic violence.

Abuse is a crime, and it is never your fault. You do not have to deal with this alone.

WHERE TO TURN?

Asking for help isn’t easy, but it is the right thing to do.

If you think you’re in an abusive relationship, help is closer than you may think. There are many support services available, so please reach out at any time.

GET HELP

No matter which service you call upon, you will never be judged. No-one will ever know that you have been in touch. Your safety will always be top priority.

Although it may feel impossible now, you can rebuild your life free from violence and fear.