If a friend or family member is suffering from spousal abuse, it doesn't necessarily mean that she has sustained any physical injuries. Even if her spouse has hundreds of redeeming qualities and promises to change, if the cycle continues to repeat itself, she is in a dangerous relationship. Encourage your friend to call a friend, relative or relationship abuse center to help find solace if she is unable to leave her abusive relationship.
Overprotective
A spouse who is constantly "checking up on you or questioning you about what you do without your partner" may be abusive, suggests the Center for Relationship Abuse Awareness. A partner who is abusive may be protective of the clothing his spouse wears, where his spouse spends time with her friends and how often his spouse leaves the house. An individual who is being abused may seem excited to go to an event, then not show up to the event at the last minute. Additionally, the victim may receive constant phone calls from her spouse while she is out with friends or family members.
Indimidation
A partner who is abusive may use intimidation to control her victim, by making fun of her partner or making him feel unworthy. An abusive partner may make her victim feel crazy or stupid for his opinions, to belittle him and wear away at his self-esteem. A victim who is being abused may act nervous or shy around his partner and may worry about his partner constantly, even when she is not present. A victim of abuse may drop everything to return a call to his spouse, even if the phone call does not seem urgent.
Overly Suspicious, Critical
A victim of spousal abuse may feel that she is constantly being picked on and is unable to make decisions for herself. An abusive partner may try to control what his spouse wears and where she goes, suggests the Mayo Clinic. An abusive partner may accuse his spouse of being unfaithful or cheating on him, even if there are no grounds for this suspicion. According to the Center for Relationship Abuse Awareness, an abusive partner may make the victim feel that "nothing you ever do is good enough."
Physically Abusive
Physical abuse is the most apparent type of spousal abuse, because bruises can be seen by friends and family members. If a victim makes no effort to hide frequent and unexplained injuries, she may be calling out for help. An abuser may also abuse her spouse physically without any signs of injury. For instance, a spouse who forces her partner to have sex against his will is performing physical abuse. An abuser may make her victim feel that her outward expression of anger is the fault of the victim, and that he drove her to act out violently.
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