It is not always easy to figure out if certain actions that your partner does would be considered abuse or not.

You may even make excuses for your partner’s behavior or convince yourself that you are overreacting and that what you are going through is “your fault/not that bad.”

The general pattern of domestic violence is that abuse gets worse over time. If you can see the signs of abuse early on in the relationship, you may have a better chance of getting out safely.

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The list below points to some signs of abuse and signs of an unhealthy relationship. If the answers to any are ‘yes’ or if you feel scared, hurt or put down by your partner, you might find it useful to talk to a counselor/advocate at a domestic violence organization for support.

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• Embarrass/make fun of you in front of your friends/family?

• Put down your accomplishments/goals?

• Make you feel like you are unable to make decisions?

• Use intimidation/threats to get you to do things?

• Treat you roughly - grab, push, pinch, shove or hit you?

•  Use drugs/alcohol as an excuse for saying hurtful things or abusing you?

• Pressure you sexually for things you don’t want to do or force you to do sexual acts against your will?

• Make you feel like there is no way out of the relationship?

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Domestic Violence Can Be Verbal, Physical, Sexual, Emotional

and so much more!  Need to talk to someone? Call us 336-599-7233

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