Domestic abuse and violence can happen to anyone at any stage of their life, yet this issue is often ignored, unnoticed, and denied. That’s because its signs are not always obvious and vary from controlling someone’s mind and emotions as well as hurting their body. People often take abuse wrongly, they think it just about physical harm and that’s it. However, physical abuse isn’t what comes first. The abuse can take place slowly in which you feel trapped and isolated. This is especially true when the abuse is psychological and you feel pressure on your mind.
Recognizing and noticing the sign of an abusive relationship is the first step towards ending it. In the event that you recognize yourself or another person in the following depictions of abuse, at that point look for help because nobody should lead a life in fear.
1. You’re Afraid Of A Particular Person:
If there’s someone in your family or in your circle to whom you’re afraid of, then there must be something wrong. No matter the reason, fear has no place in a normal relationship. If you feel like someone is harmful and you shouldn’t interact with him again then there’s a chance you’re being abused and it’s worth getting help.
2. Someone Threatens Or Controls You:
This can be anyone your partner, your brother, your friend or someone else in your circle. If that person throws things or punches walls when angry, yells at you and threatens to kill you or someone else, then you have all the right reasons to report his behavior to a reliable person.
3. Someone Is Controlling Your Money And Other Financial Matters:
Your partner or family member limit your access to money and keeps cash and credit cards away from you. Makes you explain every penny you spend, won’t let you have money for basic needs like food, clothes, and medical. Also, force you to quit whatever job you’re doing and don’t bother what you want and desire.
4. Your Partner Keeps You Away From Family And Friends:
Your partner cuts you off from family and friends and makes odd excuses to keep you away from your loved ones. Embarrasses you in front of his friends and treats you like a slave. Keeps check on you and keep close tabs on where you go and whom you go with.
5. Signs of Physical Abuse:
- Someone attacks you with weapons
- Pulls your hair
- Punches, kicks, slaps, and pushes
- Lock you in an isolated room
- Abandons you in a dark place you don’t know
- Keeps you from eating, drinking, and getting medical care
- Throws things at you
- Forces you to cut your hair and clothes
- Tries to give you drugs
- Throws water on your face for no reason
- Forces you to do something that you don’t want to do
Dominance, humiliation, isolation, threats, intimidation, denial and blame all these signs fall into the category of abuse and violence. Sometimes, after abusing that person feels guilty and apologetic. But not over what they’ve done, in fact, they are more worried about the possibility of getting caught and facing consequences of their abusive behaviors and actions. However, if you witness these warning signs in your friend or any other family member, then take them very seriously and speak up. Point out the things you’ve noticed and, express your concern. Also remember, abusers, are expert at controlling and manipulating their victims. So, take responsibility to protect yourself or others and getting out of an abusive relationship.
