How to Spot Signs of an Abusive Relationship

When your loved ones begin a new relationship, you want nothing more than for them to be happy. As time passes and the relationship grows, if you find yourself noticing behaviors that might indicate abuse, you should pay attention to your instincts and investigate your suspicions. Read on to learn how to spot signs of an abusive relationship.

Instructions

1. Watch for controlling behavior. If your loved ones' partner determines where she goes, who she can and can't be with, and what time she must be home, it is a warning sign of abuse.

2. Keep an eye out for extreme jealousy and possessiveness. We all get a little jealous or even a little possessive of our partners. When this jealousy is taken to the extreme, it is unhealthy.

3. Observe the way she speaks to him. If she regularly puts him down or belittles him, it becomes abusive.

4. Pay attention to how often she can see her friends and family. Isolation from friends and family generally happens slowly, over a period of time. If you notice that she can never hang out with you, other friends or her family, she is probably involved in an abusive relationship.

5. Don't believe the excuses. If you notice bruises or scratches on a regular basis, don't believe her when she says "I fell, I'm so clumsy."

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be judgmental. If your loved one is involved in an abusive relationship, she needs a friend, not someone that is going to lecture or pass judgment on her.

• Be understanding, but not to a fault. You want to support your loved one and help him get out of the abusive relationship, but you don't want to convey the message that it is OK or healthy for him to stay.

• Don't confront the abuser. If your suspicions are confirmed and corroborated with other friends and family, talk to your loved one first. If you confront the abuser, he may take it out on the victim.

• Don't attack the victim. When voicing your opinion about the relationship, make sure she knows that she is loved and cared about. Accusing her of making bad decisions will make matters worse.