Signs You’re in an Abusive Relationship
Most relationships have arguments, disagreements, and differing opinions at certain points. However, things can quickly go too far and turn into something serious, dangerous, and unhealthy. There are many different types of abuse that people can suffer from, including physical, verbal, psychological, cultural, financial, and sexual. However, many victims might not realize they are suffering from abuse because they don’t know the signs of abuse in relationships.
In fact, there are over 10 million individuals who are victims of domestic violence and abuse in the United States each year. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men are victims of domestic violence and abuse. If you or someone you know believe you are being abused in any way, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or contact us at Life Forward to receive help.
At Life Forward, we have experienced Client Educators who are trained, willing to listen, and provide a safe and neutral environment to help you with whatever you need. This includes providing support if you are suffering from any form of abuse. We want you to feel heard and understood as you share intimate thoughts and feelings. We also have a team of medical professionals focusing on women’s health and well-being that you can talk to and ask questions regarding your body and your reproductive health. Please reach out to Life Forward to get started today!
In this article, we’ll share some of the most common signs of an abusive relationship so you can know what to look for, and when you should seek help.
What Are the Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship?
An essential part of avoiding or removing yourself from abusive relationships is knowing the characteristics and signals that come with them. If you don’t understand when something is wrong, then you may not feel like you need to change it. Or, even worse, you may feel like it’s your fault. But you deserve healthy relationships full of love, support, and care. The first step toward experiencing a relationship like that is comprehending what marks an abusive, unhealthy one. Here are some of the most common signs of abusive relationships:
Signs of Physical Abuse in a Relationship
Physical abuse in a relationship is when one or both partners intend to cause each other bodily harm. Physical abuse includes things like:
Slapping
Punching
Choking
Pinching
Physically Restraining
Kicking
Shoving
Forced drug use
Burning
Gagging
Locking in an enclosed space
Intentional sleep deprivation
Assault with any kind of weapon
Signs of Verbal/Emotional Abuse in a Relationship
Another type of abuse found in relationships is verbal/emotional abuse. This type of abuse involves one or both partners deliberately using what they say and do to cause emotional pain. Signs of emotional abuse in a relationship include:
Belittling
Ridiculing
Spoken threats
Labeling
Name-calling
Harassment
Yelling
Swearing
Using silence
Coercion
Intimidation
Isolating from friends and family
Treating like a child
Signs of Mental/Psychological Abuse in a Relationship
There is also mental/psychological abuse that individuals can cause their partners. All abuse is psychological in nature since it affects the victim’s mental state, how they feel, how they view themselves, and more. This type of abuse involves behavior that purposefully causes mental and psychological strain to an individual, making them feel inferior, uncertain, hurt, and more without physical contact with them. Some signs of mental/psychological abuse include:
Destroying something meaningful
Making threats to get an intended result—like saying you will commit suicide if someone doesn’t do something
Shaming
Humiliating
Punishing someone for an achievement or recognition
Anything that makes someone feel belittled, unsure of reality, or like they have no worth
Signs of Financial Abuse in a Relationship
Another form of abuse is financial abuse. This type of abuse occurs when an individual intentionally uses money to make their partner do something or not do something. Some signs of financial abuse include:
Restricting access to personal accounts and funds
Running up debt in the person’s name
Prohibiting someone from working or earning their own money
Offering to pay someone not to do something they want to do
Refusing money to someone
Signs of Sexual Abuse in a Relationship
One of the most common types of abuse is sexual abuse. Sexual abuse in relationships involves an individual performing sexual acts that are unwanted, nonconsensual, and can even be painful. Some signs of sexual abuse include:
Unwanted touching
Rape
Coerced nudity
Sodomy
Sexually explicit photographing
Using sex as a weapon
Attributing someone’s worth to their sexual performance
If you are experiencing any of these signs, you should seek help immediately. Life Forward has trained professionals who can provide support and help you if you are a victim of any type of abuse. Additionally, we can refer you to other community resources that can help you get out of your situation and move forward safely. Reach out to us today to learn more!
How Life Forward Can Help
At Life Forward, we are here to help women in the Cincinnati area who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant. In addition to consultations, pregnancy testing, and ultrasounds, we offer other educational and supportive services—as well as referrals to other community resources—at no cost to you.
Our staff of trained Client Educators and medical professionals will assist you and connect you to the resources and help you need. These resources can help you be more prepared during your pregnancy and make the best decision for yourself. Learn more about the services we offer or contact us at 513.961.7777 to schedule an appointment today!