One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, notes the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Emotional, verbal and physical abuse likely affects more people than you realize, and it could even affect your relationship. Without even noticing it, your husband could become increasingly controlling, jealous and angry, leaving you wondering what went wrong. Watch closely for the indicators of an abusive husband, so you can identify yourself as a victim of domestic abuse and get help as soon as possible.
Temper
Everyone loses their temper and becomes angry from time to time, but an abusive husband goes from content to angry faster than most. Everything sets him off, and you find yourself increasingly worried, and increasingly careful to avoid topics of conversation, behaviors or anything else that might trigger his temper and cause him to become angry.
Jealousy
Jealousy manifests as your husband accusing you of being unfaithful, ordering you to stop talking to other male figures or accusing you of being closer to someone other than him. MSNBC.com also notes that a jealous man may spy on you or your friends and family members, and try to catch you in lies. He constantly believes that you are going to leave and may call you names.
Low Self-Esteem
A man with low self-esteem will not think himself worthy of a meaningful relationship. It's why he tries to push you away by calling you names or accusing you of wrongdoings. He may also berate you and put you down, so that your self-esteem lowers and he has more control over your actions, says the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress.
Controlling Behavior
A husband who is constantly trying to control where you go, what you do, what you eat, what you wear and who you see is exhibiting classic indicators of abuse. Taking away your right to choose and choosing for you is a way that he exerts his power over you, leaving you helpless. In this way, he safeguards himself against the possibility that you might leave him; if he controls all your actions and isolates you from the ones you love, you might not be able to.
Child Manipulation
Your husband may use your child against you to abuse you. He may tell you that if you leave him, he'll take your children away, or tell everyone what a bad mother you are. He might also use your children to abuse you by pitting them against you and always making you seem like the "bad guy" so they prefer his company.
Substance Abuse
If your previously social-drinking husband begins hitting the bottle harder, it could escalate into something more dangerous, notes the University of New Mexico. Some men use drunkenness or substance intoxication as an excuse for your bad behavior. If your sweet and attentive husband is only abusive when he's drunk, he is an abusive husband all the time.
Member Comments