No two relationships are the same, so what’s unhealthy in one relationship may be abusive in another. Although there may be many signs, here are the most common warning signs of an abusive relationship:
Intensity: Over the top behaviour that feels like too much too soon. Lying to cover up insecurity. Obsessive behaviour.
Jealousy: Irrational, angry behaviour when you speak with someone he or she perceives as a threat. Persistently accusing you of flirtatious or inappropriate behaviour.
Anger: Overreacting to small issues. Losing control. Violent outbursts. Making you feel afraid.
Control: Telling you what to wear, who to hang out with, when to speak or what to think.
Isolation: Insists on only spending time with you on your own. Refuses to interact with your friends and family. Invents reason as to why you should not see your friends and family.
Sabotage: Making you miss school, work or something important to you by starting a fight, pretending to be sick, breaking up with you, or hiding your phone or keys.
Criticism: Calling you names. Brainwashing you to feel worthless.
Blame: Making you feel guilty. Making you feel like everything is your fault.
Alcohol & Drugs: Becoming overly emotional after drinking. Sobbing, threatening to harm oneself, becoming violent or angry. Not remembering what happened while drunk. Using ‘I was drunk’ as an excuse for poor behaviour.
