Unfortunately, many people who are victims of abuse do not see themselves as such, and perpetrators often do not see themselves as abusive. When one person uses certain behaviors to over-control or dominate another person in a relationship, it is considered domestic abuse.

It can happen to nearly anyone: engaged, married or unmarried; straight, gay, or lesbian; cohabitating partners or separated or dating partners.

You are being abused, if your partner uses any of the following to dominate or control you;

1.Pushing, pulling, twisting, immobilizing, degrading, choking, or biting,

2.The threatening of you, your kids, friends, other relatives or pets,

3.Using the threat of suicide to get you to do or not do something,

4.The use of, or the threat to use a weapon to compel you to do something,

5.The keeping of or threatening to keep or take your money or paycheck,

6.Uses insults, degrading comments or rage to humiliate or embarrass you,

7.Forces you to engage in sexual activities,

8.Keeps you isolated from your friends, family or co-workers.

AIMPORTANT: Always consider calling the police if you are attacked or even threatened!

Abusive behavior comes in various forms. They include:

1.Name-calling, insults or putdowns,

2.Threatening or restraining your partner from contacting others,

3.Threatening with money by holding it back,

4.Interfering with a partners getting or keeping employment,

5.Threatening physical harm,

6.Assaulting a partner, sexually or physically,

7.Stalking,

8.Bullying or intimidating.

Violence is usually criminal and includes physical assault, sexual abuse, stalking etc. Emotional and financial abuse are not considered criminal, however, they are important forms of abuse and often lead to criminal or violent behavior.

Abusive behavior takes many forms and can occur continually or only once in a while. An important step in preventing or stopping abuse is recognizing the warning signs listed above.

Remember, anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse. Victims can be of any age, race, nationality, religion, educational level, employment or marital status.

However, most victims are women and children. Children living in homes where domestic abuse takes place are more likely to be abused or neglected themselves. Most children in these homes are aware of the abuse, if only subconsciously.

Even though children may not be physically harmed, they are often afflicted with psychological and behavior problems. If you are a victim of abuse, REMEMBER:
1.You are not the only one,
2.You are not at fault,
3.Help is just a phone call away.