An abusive relationship is any relationship with a pattern of abusive or coercive behaviors that exert power or control over another individual, according to the Vaden Health Center at Stanford University. These behaviors aren't limited to physical abuse, but often include mental, emotional, sexual and even financial components as well. No matter what type of abuse is being exacted over another person, there are warning signs that people frequently exhibit while in this type of relationship.
Control
A common warning sign of an abusive relationship is control itself. This control often extends into many aspects of an individual's life, says the Mayo Clinic. There may be an attempt to control what the other wears, where the other goes or who the other talks to. There may be control of money, transportation or time. There may even be a control of what the other says.
Isolation
Another common warning sign of an abusive relationship is isolation, cautions the Alabama Coalition Against Dating Violence. Many times the abuser tries to isolate the partner from family and friends. Visits may become less and less frequent. Plans are regularly changed or broken. The individual may even start skipping school, work or any event that takes him or her away from the partner.
Jealousy
It isn't uncommon for the abuser to be fairly jealous in nature, advises the Center for Relationship Abuse Awareness. Accusations of infidelity or disloyalty may become more and more frequent. The abuser may constantly check in or question where the other is and who the other is spending time with, even time spent with family and friends. This can often make the victim overcompensate by avoiding situations that may make the abuser jealous to avoid confrontation.
Intimidation
It's also possible for intimidation to be a sign of an abusive relationship, according to the University of Buffalo. Telling someone what to say or how to say something can be an act of intimidation, since the abuser "always knows best." They're often hypercritical, forcing the other to act or react in accordance to the abuser's beliefs. Even sitting or standing extremely close to the partner can be an act of intimidation.
Mood Swings
The abuser may also demonstrate large swings in mood. They can be impatient or easily agitated, which may lead to explosions of anger, shame, humiliation and even violence, reports the Center for Relationship Abuse Awareness. This can make the other person overly cautious, largely due to the fact that there's a great deal of uncertainty of what will set him off. The victim may also come to fear disagreeing with her partner.
Violence
Besides the actual act of violence, another sign of an abusive relationship is physical signs of violence, such as bruises, black eyes, fat lips or broken bones. Even if the partner has an explanation of how she got the bruise, it can still be a sign of an abusive relationship. Acts of violence are often blamed on the recipient or even drugs and alcohol, explains the Mayo Clinic.
Sex
Abusers may also force sex on the partner regardless of whether or not the other wants to engage in the act. This may also lead to shame, humiliation and acts of violence when the other doesn't comply.
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