Are You Being an Abuser?

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Abusive behavior in a relationship has many markers including physical violence, insults, threats, spying and financial and logistical control that isolates the abused from their family and friends. There are many myths about domestic violence, including that it can't be perpetrated by a woman, a person with a disability, someone in a gay relationship or anyone else wrongly label as weak or more likely to be victimized themselves. The sad fact is that just as anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, anyone can also be a perpetrator.

Signs that you're an abuser include, but are not limited to:

• Punching, pushing, kicking, slapping, scratching or otherwise physically harming the person you are in a relationship with.
• Making threats against the person you are in a relationship with or their friends, family, pets, property or even yourself.
• Insulting the person you are in a relationship with. This includes telling them they deserve any abusive behavior you might engage in.
• Preventing the person you are with from socializing or communicating with friends or family.
• Controlling the financial resources of the person you are with.
• Withholding medication or other necessaries from the person you are with.
• Following the person you are with or otherwise spying on their activities.
• Engaging in sexual behavior without appropriate consent.
  

If you think you might be an abuser, get help! You don't have to treat people you care about this way and can learn to have healthier relationships.