Know the Eight: The Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship
There is no justification for abuse. If your partner either threatens or physically assaults you, which includes shoving or pushing, it will only get worse. Inform the authorities, tell your friends or family, and call The National Domestic Violence Hotline. There are many people who care and want to help you. FOR HELP: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or chat online. Both are available 24/7.
Intensity
Excessive charm, LYING to cover up insecurity, needing to win over your friends and family immediately, OVER THE TOP gestures that seem too much too soon, BOMBARDING you with numerous texts and emails in a short time, behaving obsessively, insisting that you get serious IMMEDIATELY.
2. Jealousy
Behaving IRRATIONALLY when you interact with other people, becoming ANGRY when you speak with the opposite sex, persistently ACCUSING you of flirting/cheating, resenting your time with friends and family, DEMANDING to know private details of your life.
3. Control
TELLING you how to wear your hair, when to speak, or what to think, showing up UNINVITED at your home/school/job, CHECKING your cellphone, emails, FB or IG, going through your belongings, timing/FOLLOWING you, sexually coercing you.
4. Isolation
INSISTING you only spend time with him or her, making you emotionally or psychologically DEPENDENT, preventing you from seeing your family or friends, FORBIDDING you from going to school or work, RIDICULING your friends or social circle.
5. Criticism
Calling you overwiehgt, UGLY, STUPID, or crazy, ridiculing your beliefs, ambitions, or friends, telling you he or she is the only one who cares about you, BRAINWASHING you to feel worthless.
6. Sabotage
Making you MISS work, school, an interview, test, or competition by starting a fight, having a MELTDOWN or getting sick, breaking up with you or HIDING your keys, wallet, textbooks, or phone, STEALING your belongings, UNDERMINING your plans, dreams, and self-esteem while pretending it’s because “they love you.”
7. Blame
Making you feel GUILTY and responsible for their aggressive or DESTRUCTIVE behavior, blaming the world or you for their PROBLEMS, always saying “This is your FAULT” or “You made me do this.”
8. Anger
OVERREACTING to small problems, frequently losing control, violent OUTBURSTS, having severe mood swings, drinking or partying excessively when upset, THREATENING to hurt you or loved ones, picking FIGHTS, having a history of violent behavior and making you feel AFRAID.
“Know the Eight” is taken from the EndAbuse4Good campaign from We Care