Early Signs of a Possibly Abusive Relationship

Even though each relationship is different, several dynamics may indicate early on that a partner may become physically or emotionally abusive. If your partner begins to exhibit multiple signs of potential abuse, consider contacting a counselor or a domestic abuse shelter before the situation escalates.

Behavior

Jealousy, unreasonable suspicions of cheating, and anger that is disproportionate to the severity of the situation are all early signs of a potentially abusive relationship.

Financial

Controlling all the household finances and forbidding a partner to work are early indicators of an abusive relationship.

Control Issues

Monitoring a partner's phone calls and secretly following her around in public may be early signs that a relationship may turn abusive.

Name-Calling

Calling a partner names and putting him down in the presence of company can indicate an abusive relationship dynamic.

Threats

Threats to self-injure or commit suicide for the purpose of manipulating a partner into staying in the relationship are an early indicator of abuse, and one of the most dangerous.

References

• Domestic Violence and Abuse

Resources

• National Domestic Violence Hotline