Signs of Abuse
Abuse is not always obvious at first glance, but there are some signs
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It is not always easy to tell whether a relationship will become abusive. Many times the abuse appears at the beginning of the relationship and the intensity of the violence can increase as time passes.
Although every relationship is different, there are some common patterns of abuse that abusive people use to exert power and control over a person. Abuse is not always physical, it can be emotional, verbal and/or psychological.
Common Signs of Abuse
You often give in because you are afraid of your partner's reaction.
They criticize you for everyday things such as cooking, clothing, appearance, etc.
You feel like you have to justify everything you do, the places you go and the people you meet, to prevent your partner from getting angry
Your partner humiliates or degrades you with insults and/or accusations
Your partner makes frequent threats to withhold money or resources, take your children, or have an affair .
Threatens to call immigration or cancel any immigration petition in process to fix your status if you do not do what they ask of you.
Kicks, hits, pushes, pulls, restrains, or throws things at you
They make you keep distance from your friends and family because they get jealous if you don't.
Forces you to have sex or some sexual activity when you don't want to
You are afraid to end the relationship because they have threatened to hurt you or harm themselves
They don't allow you to make your own decisions
Intimidates you with looks, threatening actions or weapons
One or two of these situations constitute red flags in a relationship. Although these signs have been presented within the context of an intimate relationship, it is important to note that they can also be applied to relationships with family members.
There is a diagram that captures many of these abusive behaviors in The Power and Control Wheel.