Definition of Abuse

Abuse is about Power and Control

It is about one person trying to control and have power over another.

It can be emotional, financial, psychological, sexual, or physical, and the harm it causes can last a lifetime.

The abuser accomplishes this by the inducement of fear.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE ABUSE IN A RELATIONSHIP

If you answer yes to any of the questions below, you could be in an abusive relationship, or your relationship could become abusive.

Do you feel nervous around him/her?

Do you have to be careful to control your behaviour to avoid his/her anger?

Do you feel pressured by him/her when it comes to sex?

Are you scared of disagreeing with him/her?

Does he/she criticise you, or humiliate you in front of other people?

Is he/she always checking up or questioning you about what you do without him/her?

Does he/she repeatedly and wrongly accuse you of seeing other people?

Does he/she tell you that if you changed, he/she wouldn't abuse you?

Does his/her jealousy stop you from seeing friends or family?

Does he/she make you feel like you are wrong, stupid, crazy, or inadequate?

Has he/she ever scared you with violence or threatening behaviour?

Do you often do things to please him/her, rather than to please yourself?

Does he/she prevent you from going out or doing things you want to do?

Do you feel that, with him/her, nothing you do is ever good enough?

Does he/she say that they will kill or hurt themselves if you break up with them?

Does he/she make excuses for their abusive behaviour by saying it's because of alcohol or drugs or because they can't control their temper, or that they were 'just joking'?

YOU SHOULD FEEL LOVED, FREE AND RESPECTED IN A RELATIONSHIP.

YOUR FEELINGS ARE IMPORTANT.