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Abusive relationships can take many forms, both in the nature of the abuse and in the nature of the relationship.

An abusive relationship can happen just as readily between caregivers and clients as it can between parents and children, siblings, friends and, of course, in the more often recognized romantic context.

Top signs of an abusive relationship fall into three categories: physical, verbal and logistical; and those living with a disability can face types of abuse unique to their situation.

Physical
Physical violence as a sign of an abusive relationship seems obvious. An abuser hits, scratches or burns. But, for a person living with a disability, an abuser may also withhold medication or pain treatment. Conversely, an abuser may intentionally alter medication doses to put your health at risk or control your functionality.

Verbal
Verbal abuse can be particularly insidious. This type of abuse involves not just insults and disparaging comments, but systematic remarks designed to make you question your self-worth, intelligence and abilities. Threats of violence from the abuser towards the target and the target's family, friends or pets are also a common warning sign. Finally, some abusers will threaten to harm themselves should the target of the abuse try to get out of the situation.

Logistical
Abusive relationships are often marked by extreme control on the part of the abuser. This can include isolating the target of abuse from family and friends, monitoring the actions and communications of the abuse target via cell phone, Internet and in-person following. Setting up impossible tasks or goals for the target of the abuse is also a common strategy for an abuser who may try to justify their abuse by saying it was a necessary response to failure.