Signs Of Abuse In A Relationship

Abuse takes many forms. Nemours TeensHealth reports that "Recognizing abuse may be especially difficult for someone who has lived with it for many years." Identifying an abusive relationship might be impossible for the person involved. Friends and family members, or even coworkers, might need to assist the victim in self-awareness and in finding outside help to escape the situation. Nearly one in four women experience relationship abuse, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Relationship abuse is not limited to female victims.

Self-Esteem Attack

Abusers try to undermine the victim's feeling of self-worth and self-esteem by using harsh criticism. Another control mechanism is to dismiss the feelings and contributions of the victim until the person simply gives up making any suggestions or comments. Eventually, the victim might even believe that the constant criticism is deserved, according to Nemours TeenHealth. The abuser tells the victim that the behavior is a direct result of the latter's actions.

Control Demands

TeensHealth states that bullying is a form of abuse. The website warns that "... intimidation, threats, or humiliation can be just as abusive as beating someone up." Controlling behavior includes making demands, such as timing trips to the grocery store and confirming activities, including checking the auto odometer and calling friends to confirm the exact time a person arrived and left. The Mayo Clinic details other controlling behaviors, including demanding that certain clothing be worn or refusing to share control of joint finances.

Physical Injury

Physical injury (battering), sometimes known as domestic violence, is the most obvious form of an abusive relationship, but it is not always easily identified because the abuser frequently develops behaviors that do not cause marks in typical locations. Obvious physical signs include bruising, biting or choking, according to Nemours TeensHealth, but physically injury might also include sexual abuse or shaking that doesn't leave overt marks. Frequent injury, and injuries that do not match the description of the accident, according to the Domestic Violence Coalition of Greater Chattanooga, are clear signs of battering.

Extreme Jealousy

Extreme jealousy is another sign of an abusive relationship. The abuser makes accusations regarding fidelity and often complains that outside interests take time away from the relationship. Time spent with family members and friends becomes a point of contention in that the abuser views any time spent apart as taking away from the relationship. In extreme cases, the abuser may demand that the person not go to work or school, expressing jealously over the time spent with others.