Signs of an abusive relationship

Mar 08, 2019

It can sometimes be difficult to recognise an abusive relationship, particularly in situations where abusive behaviours have been normalised.

Family Violence and abuse are experienced in many ways and can be different for every individual. Family Violence includes different types of abuse such as emotional abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse. Read more about the different types of family violence here.

Signs that you may be in an abusive relationship include the following:

  • You’re intimidated or frightened of your partner
  • You’re withdrawn or reluctant to speak
  • You’re overly anxious to please your partner
  • Your partner constantly follows, calls or texts you, wanting to know where you are
  • Your partner prevents you from seeing your friends of family
  • Your partner regularly criticises or puts you down
  • Your partner is jealous and possessive
  • Your partner controls your money and finances
  • Your partner prevents you from practising your religion
  • Your partner threatens to hurt you, your children, or pets or threatens use a weapon against you
  • Your partner physically assaults you (hitting, biting, scratching, slapping, pushing, kicking)

Controlling and abusive behaviour builds over time, and may not be obvious to the victim, or to people outside the relationship. The Power and Control Wheel highlights the tactics that an abusive partner may use to maintain power and control in a relationship. Seek Help.

What to do if you are in an abusive relationship

If you are in an abusive relationship, you can find help here. If someone you know has told you they are experiencing or have experienced violence, follow these steps.