Warning Signs of Abuse

You may be abused, or at high risk of abuse if you:

• Are frightened of your partner’s temper
• Often give in because you are afraid to hurt your partner’s feelings or are afraid to make your partner feel jealous.
• Have the urge to “rescue” your partner when troubled.
• Find yourself apologizing to yourself or to others for your partner’s behaviour.
• Have been hit, kicked, shoved or had things thrown at you when your partner was jealous or angry.
• Make decisions about activities and friends according to what your partner wants, or how your partner will react.
• Drink heavily or use drugs, (or your partner does).
• Have a partner who uses the children to try to control or upset you.
• Are afraid of being criticized or put down, called names, or embarrassed in front of others by your partner.
• Have a partner who has trouble expressing feelings appropriately, and takes out anger on you or others.
• Are forced by your partner into any unwanted sexual activities or are called any sexually degrading names.
• Have a partner who believes that it is his/her role to be in charge.
• Have been abused as a child or have witnessed your mother endure abuse (some people).