What is abuse?
Abuse is a pattern of behavior where someone uses power to control, manipulate, and harm another person. Abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, sexual, and can change over time. Abuse tends to escalate. Learn the signs to stay informed.
Warning Signs Of Abuse
- Raising voice/yelling at you
- Places blame on you for their actions
- Checks in on you excessively, monitors location and messages
- Pressures or forces you in sex
- Has tracking software to know where you are at all times
- Ignores your needs, feelings, and boundaries
- Controls what you wear
- Prevents or discourages you from seeing friends/family
- Excessively criticizes you for your looks, actions, personality
- Has a history of past abuse or violent behavior in other relationships
- Controls your finances or ability to work
- Threatens to harm you or themselves to get what they want
- Their emotions are always changing, leaving you walking on eggshells
- They make you question your reality
Power and control wheel
The Power and Control wheel is a model used to explain the patterns of abusive behavior and the many ways that it can present itself. Abuse is not always obvious. It is important to be aware of the tactics abusers use to keep power and control over their partners.
