Warning Signs

Are you being abused? Does your partner exhibit any of these behaviors?

• Extreme jealousy
• Controlling behavior
• Quick Involvement
• Unpredictable mood swings
• Explosive anger
• Alcohol and drug use
• Isolates you from friends or family
• Uses force during an argument
• Hypersensitivity
• Believes in rigid gender roles
• Blames others for his/her own problems or feelings
• Cruel to animals or children
• Verbally puts down or demeans you
• Threatens to use violence against you or others, condones others violence
• Calls you names or uses put downs in front of other people

If you answered yes to any of the above, you may be in an abusive relationship. To speak with an advocate please contact A Woman's Place at (866)-356-4226, or any of the hotlines listed to the right.

Do you suspect someone you know is in an abusive relationship? These may be some of the behaviors you're noticing:

• May apologize for her/his partner’s behavior and makes excuses on partner’s behalf
• Frequently cancels plans at the last minute for reasons that sound untrue
• Partner is always checking up on her/him, calling or texting and demanding to know where she/he has been and whom she/he has been with
• You’ve witnessed the partner loose his/her temper, maybe even break or hit things, when mad
• Seems worried about upsetting or making the partner angry
• Giving up things that used to be important – time with friends, extracurricular activities
• Someone may begin to miss a lot of work or school or drop out or quit
• Weight, appearance, personality or grades have changed dramatically
• Injuries that can’t be explained or the explanations given don’t make sense
• May begin using drugs or alcohol