Domestic abuse, which is also known as spousal abuse, happens in families of all walks of life. The American Bar Association (ABA) states that about 1.3 million women and more than 800,000 men are victims of domestic abuse every year. In many instances, according to the Help Guide website, the abuser begins displaying emotionally abusive behavior before the abuse escalates into physical violence. If you feel that you may be involved in a potentially abusive relationship, contact your health care provider or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE.
History
While a person's past does not necessarily determine her future behavior, there are certain occurrences and behaviors that may cause or indicate a propensity toward abusive behavior. According to the Erie County Sheriff's Department in Buffalo, N.Y., adults who were abused as children or who witnessed abuse between their parents may be more likely to abuse their spouse or child. A history of drug or alcohol abuse, or of abusing animals, may also be red flags.
Controlling Behavior
Even before physical or sexual abuse begins in a relationship, a potential abuser may use emotionally abusive tactics to attempt to control his victim. He may demand a detailed explanation every time you wish to leave the house without him, for example. He may withhold your spending money or exert other types of financial control. He may also wish to control your appearance by dictating what types of clothing you wear or how you arrange your hair.
Extreme Jealousy and Isolation
A potentially abusive partner may exhibit signs of abnormal jealousy, says the Mid-Valley Women's Crisis Service in Salem, Ore. She may accuse you of having an affair with friends or acquaintances of the opposite sex, or berate you for interacting with others. She may also attempt to limit the amount of time that you spend with other people and may try to isolate you from having a support network.
Threats and Intimidation
If your partner is threatening to hurt you or attempting to intimidate you, he has the potential to act on those threats and cross the line into physical abuse. Common threats may include threatening to leave you, to take or hurt your children or to kill your pets. Examples of intimidating behavior include breaking objects in a fit of rage or displaying a weapon.
