Are You In An Abusive Relationship?

Early Warning Signs

These are the signs to watch out for. The danger signals can be determined by learning about a man's attitudes about himself, about women, about the marriage relationship, about what ideal sex would be like, what turn him on, what turns him off, and whether the violence or use of force play a part. If a man and woman cannot talk about their goals and expectations before marriage, they are bound to have anger later. Verbal warnings about beatings should not be ignored. You should calmly inquire, "What do you mean by that?" If you abused in the relationship before you get married, you can be sure it will continue after you marry.

Ask yourself:

1. Does your partner try to control your behavior, your phone conversations, your contact with your friends or family?
2. Does he refuse to allow you outside the home, even to work?
3. Does he try to isolate you in any way?
4. Do you need his permission before doing anything such as buying food, or writing checks?
5. Does he dictate what you wear, what you say?
6. If your partner drinks too much, does he take out his frustrations on your in an abusive manner?
7. is your partner overly critical of everything about you?
8. Does he constantly say negative things about you like "You're stupid, incompetent, you can't do anything right?"
9. Does he punish you and tell you that he beats you for your own good or to keep you in line?"
10. Is your partner insanely jealous? Does he accuse you of things you never did?
11. Did you or your partner witness or experience physical abuse as a child?"
12. Are you afraid, unsure of what will happen when he comes home?
13. Are you living in a constant state of fear and anxiety, walking on eggshells because he is so erratic yo never know what to expect?
14. Are you trying to be perfect to avoid a verbal or physical fight?
15. Do you avoid seeing people and/or going to work because you don't want anyone to know about your injuries?
16. Are you fighting to save a relationship and family but losing yourself in the process?
17. Are you afraid that if you stay in the situation you may be killed?

If you said "Yes" to ANY of these questions, think seriously about your relationship. it is possible that you are in a battering situation.