Domestic violence is the term sometimes used to describe abusive relationships. Abuse is not only physically hurting your partner but involves any behavior that aims to dominate and control your partner. The bottom line is that abusive behavior is never acceptable in a relationship, and you deserve to feel valued, respected, and safe.
Abuse in relationships can take many forms. It can be physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, financial. or it can be all of these things. This behavior is never ok and no one deserves to be treated that way.
Many people overlook or excuse abusive behavior because you are not getting hit. Physical injury may be the most obvious danger of abuse but the emotional and psychological consequences of domestic abuse are also severe. It can destroy your self-worth, and cause you to feel anxious, depressed, helpless, desperate and alone.
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence please call or text the province-wide, toll free Domestic Violence Helpline at 1-888-709-7090. This service is available 24/7.
Abusive relationships can happen to anyone. Noticing and acknowledging the signs of an abusive relationship are the first steps to ending it.
There are many signs of an abusive relationship. Some signs may include:
● Fear of your partner
● Controlling behaviour by your partner
● Belittling behaviour by your partner
● Constantly watching what you say in order to avoid a “blow-up”
Very often there is a cycle of abuse that repeats itself over and over. This cycle include tension build up, a blow up, and then a honeymoon period where everything seems good.
Abusive relationships can happen to anyone. Noticing and acknowledging the signs of an abusive relationship are the first steps to ending it. Your safety and the safety of anyone in your care is the priority:
• Talk about it with someone you trust.
• Don’t put up with abusive behavior expecting things to get better
• Have a safety plan that you can put into action if you need to
• Call the police if you feel in immediate danger
• Reach out to local shelters and helplines. 1 888 709 7090