Abusive Relationship Symptoms
Unfortunately, abusive relationships are more common than one might think, and can take on many forms. Physical abuse does not need to be present for a relationship to be considered abusive. Emotional abuse and neglect are just as much a part of an abusive relationship as physical abuse. In fact, physical abuse need not be present for a relationship to be considered abusive. There are several common symptoms of abusive relationships, including the domination of one partner, humiliation, isolating one partner from the outside world, threats, intimidation, denial, blame and physical abuse.
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Domination
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Often, an abuser dominates his victims. He feels he needs to be in charge of his partner and the relationship. A dominating partner will make decisions without consulting his partner. The submissive partner is expected to obey without question and has no say in the matter. This is to give one partner a feeling of control over the other and can be abusive.
Isolation
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Often an abusive partner will go to great lengths to isolate her lover. She might cut her partner off from friends and family, and might even force her partner not to work. By doing this, the isolated partner becomes dependent on the abuser.
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Humiliation
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Humiliation is a common symptom of abuse and is characterized by one partner making the other feel badly about herself. By doing this, the abuser makes his victim feel useless and like she will not be accepted by others outside of their relationship. It can include insults, public shaming and name calling.
Threats and Intimidation
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An abusive partner might also threaten her other half to get what she wants. These might be threats of physical violence or simply to do something non-physical that is also harmful to the other partner. Intimidation is also a common symptom of an abusive relationship. Intimidation can be as simple as a threatening look, or as frightening as the abuser breaking objects in front of her partner to scare him. Threats and intimidation are used in a similar way and are typically designed to make the victim feel weak and powerless.
Denial and Blame
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Often when confronted, an abuser will deny what he has done and make excuses for his actions. An abuser might blame his behavior on a bad childhood, a bad day or even on the victim. This is partly to make the abuser feel better about himself and partly to make the victim feel at fault or sorry for him. In short, manipulative tactics are common in an abusive relationship.
Physical Abuse
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Physical abuse includes any unwanted physical contact, especially that which harms you. This might be hitting, choking, kicking, throwing or holding you in a way that you do not want to be handled. Physical abuse can also be sexual in nature, forcing a partner into a sexual act that she does not wish to perform.
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