Identifying whether or not you are in an abusive relationship is the first step to getting help. It is often too late that someone discovers that they are in such a relationship. Fortunately, most people survive with only a few injuries, but domestic violence is one of the most terrifying sources of death for family and friends of the victim.
In order to protect yourself, seeing the warning signs of an abusive relationship is important. Below, you will find a list of warning signs that you can use to help identify if you are at risk.
- Jealousy.
Is your partner jealous all of the time? Do they control where you can go and what you can do? Do they try to control what you wear, or who you speak to on the phone? While jealousy, in small doses, is natural, obsessive jealousy is a sign that a relationship may be turning abusive.
- Aggression.
If your partner is aggressive for sex or other things you are uncomfortable doing, your relationship is taking an abusive turn. However, take care to determine what type of aggression it is. Desire and aggression are two different things. It is only when it gets out of hand that it truly becomes aggression. After all, asking is different than forcing.
- Violence
Your partner repeatedly striking you is not an accident, nor is it something you should just allow to happen. Domestic violence can result in death, and it begins with one or two instances of physical violence.
- Your Friends Speak Out.
A very strong indicator of whether or not a relationship is healthy is if your friends do not speak out negatively about the relationship. Everyone has different opinions. However, if your friends all say they are concerned, it is time to listen to your friends. They often are able to see things that you cannot.
If you are in an abusive relationship, there are ways to get help. First, you can download and read counseling material designed to help you cope with abuse. As well, information on www.TamikaAnderson.com will help you to identify if you are in an abusive relationship and why it is so important to get out of an abusive relationship. This website is also useful if you have recently escaped an abusive relationship and need to learn how to cope with the aftermath.
In addition to this, there are many chat groups, hot lines and support organizations available to help you adjust with the consequences of abuse that you have suffered. As well, they can assist your children if they have been abused.
Do not accept abusive relationships. Get help. Please call 911 if you are in immediate danger or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Dr. Tamika Anderson is an author, speaker, and Founder of Speak Up, Speak Out Enterprises. Dr. Tamika is a survivor of 20 years of Domestic Violence and Abuse. Inspired by her own Domestic Violence experience, Dr. Tamika’s work aims to empower women and survivors of domestic violence through speaking, coaching, and mentoring. Dr. Tamika’s dedication to helping women inspired her to write the #1 International Best-Selling book, Speak Up & Get Out: A Guide to Survive & Thrive from the Devastation of Domestic Violence. To learn more please visit: www.TamikaAnderson.com/Media