Today, 30% of American adults are single, meaning that most people are coupled up. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re in happy relationships.
Worse yet, many people are in abusive situations, although they may not realize it at first. This may cause them to stay for longer than necessary, which can put both their mental and physical health in danger.
Have you been wondering if you’re in an unhealthy relationship? Then read on to find out how to recognize if you’re in an abusive relationship and what you should do.
Contents
Physical Abuse
One of the easiest ways to tell if you’re in an abusive relationship is if the person is physically abusive to you. This can involve hitting, kicking, pushing, or any other physical violence.
For many abusers, they may start off by hitting or breaking objects. Then, they may move on to using you as a target.
Emotional Abuse
People can be emotionally abusive too. This involves manipulation, control, belittling, insults, threats, and constant criticism. To justify their actions, they may say that you deserve it.
Some jealousy is normal in relationships, but someone who is excessively so can be possessive as well. They’ll try to control who you see, where you go, and what you do. They may even isolate you from family or friends.
Verbal Abuse
Verbal abuse is a type of emotional abuse, as the abuser will take advantage of your closeness and bond to hurt you with words. They’ll yell, name-call, and hurl constant criticism to hurt or humiliate you.
Another tactic is gaslighting. This is where they make you doubt your own reality by disputing facts.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is any non-consensual sexual activity or coercion. Your partner may tell you that they’re entitled to these things simply because you’re in a relationship with them, but that’s not true at all.
It’s not always physical force they’ll use either. Some abusers will use emotional pressure to get you to engage in sexual acts against your will.
Financial Abuse
It’s common for couples to pool together their resources while both are still working, while others may have one breadwinner. In the latter case, it’s easier for financial abuse to happen, as one person has power over the money.
In this situation, they’ll control finances, withhold money, prevent you from working, or sabotage any efforts for you to be financially independent.
How to Get Out of Your Abusive Relationship
If you recognize any of the above signs, then it’s important that you reach out to your family and friends for support. Seek counseling and therapy, or if things are really bad, contact a domestic violence hotline for assistance in creating an escape plan.
After you’re out safely, you can contact a professional like a domestic violence defense lawyer if necessary. They can help put away your abuser.
Get Help and Escape From Your Abuser
Finding out that you’re in an abusive relationship can be tough, and you might not want to be alone. However, you deserve happiness and a healthy relationship.
So if you recognize the above signs of abuse, don’t hesitate to get help. Your loved ones will definitely help you escape your tough situation.
To find out more about legal matters, keep browsing our blog articles.
