Sometimes, recognizing abuse in a relationship can be very difficult. Abuse takes many forms and can present in many different ways. So sometimes, it can be hard to spot early warning signs in a relationship. Physical abuse is often easiest to recognize, but yet is still very hard to handle. Emotional abuse can be harder to spot because it can take so many different forms. Financial abuse is also something to be on the lookout for. And if you do spot any of these signs of abuse in a relationship, it’s important to know what to do. You will need to safely exit the relationship and get help. Hopefully, by being able to recognize early signs of abuse, you can get out of the relationship quickly before things escalate.
Recognizing Abuse in a Relationship: Warning Signs
Physical Abuse
Recognizing abuse in a relationship that is physical is often easier to spot than other forms of abuse. Physical abuse leaves marks, bruises, and scars. However, it can often start very small. If you have a partner that frequently seems to lose control, it can be a warning sign. If they lash out by throwing or breaking things, it’s a sign that they don’t know how to handle their emotions appropriately. Often, physical abuse starts very small – a small push or shove. Abusers are usually very apologetic and promise that it won’t happen again. However, this is often not the case.
Emotional Abuse
Recognizing emotional abuse is much harder sometimes than physical abuse. Emotional abuse doesn’t leave marks or scars that you can see. Instead, it can wear on your mental health and make you question your self-confidence. Controlling behavior, gaslighting, or threatening are all classic signs of emotional abuse.
Financial Abuse
Sometimes people forget that abuse in a relationship can also be financial. Recognizing financial abuse typically involves one partner entirely controlling the finances of the other. Financial abusers might be very strict with money and give their partners very small allowances. Or they might require that their partner run any purchases by them before spending any money. A relationship should be built on trust though, and that means trusting each other financially too.
What to Do Next?
Recognizing abuse in a relationship is important, but you also need to know what to do about it. If you spot any of the red flags or warning signs of abuse, you need to act quickly. Find a supportive friend to speak to about what you’re going through. They can help you with figuring out the details of how to get out of the relationship safely. If you are in a physically abusive relationship, it’s important to get to a safe place where your partner cannot hurt you.
Recognizing abuse in a relationship can be difficult because it can present in different ways. Physical abuse typically starts small and escalates slowly over time. Emotional abuse can leave you questioning yourself and your decisions. Financial abuse often leads you to feel like you can’t spend money without getting in trouble or having to justify it to your partner. If you see any of these red flags in a relationship, you need to find a way to safely leave. Speak to a supportive friend and ask for help in getting yourself out. You want to act quickly to prevent the abuse from escalating into something physically dangerous for you. Hopefully, you can leave the abusive relationship safely and find a new partner that supports and appreciates you.