Do you know the signs that someone is in an abusive relationship? It is important to be aware of what these are, as abusive relationships can be common and are a very serious issue. It is not always clear that someone is in an abusive relationship, and they may not even realize it themselves. Additionally, there are many different types of abuse, and it is not always male-on-female abuse. With this in mind, this post will look at a few red flags to look out for. Of course, these may not always indicate an abusive relationship, and you should always be wary if you decide to speak to someone that you believe is in an abusive relationship.
Injuries
The most obvious sign of a physically abusive relationship is injuries, such as bruises and cuts. Of course, there are many reasons why someone might have cuts and bruises, but if they are frequent and/or you think someone is lying about how they got them, then this could be a sign.
Being Controlled
Another sign that someone is in an abusive relationship is if they are being completely controlled by their partner. If the partner controls what the person does, whom they see, and what they spend money on, this could be a sign. In particular, if they are being kept away from friends and family, then this could be psychological abuse.
Personality Changes
Someone that is in an abusive relationship often changes over time, and it is easy to see why. People in abusive relationships often become withdrawn, submissive, and anxious. People also often lack self-confidence and may always defer to their partner.
Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a term that has become common in recent times and is a clear sign of abuse. Essentially, this is a form of emotional abuse and manipulation that causes an individual to question their own memories and reality. Over a long period of time, this can cause significant distress and dependency on the partner. If someone’s partner lies, discredits, or rewrites history, then this is a sign of gaslighting and abuse.
Put Downs
If you are ever out with a couple and you notice that one partner frequently puts down another, then this is a red flag. The occasional comment may be harmless, or it might be part of the relationship dynamic, but harsh insults in public targeting intelligence, looks, and capabilities are signs of abuse.
Seeking Help
If you or a loved one are in an abusive relationship, then it is important to seek legal support. You will want to find a lawyer that specializes in abusive relationships, such as a domestic violence attorney. They will be able to help in terms of offering advice to protect yourself as well as working on building a case to seek the best outcome. Abusive relationships need to be addressed, and it is important to take action to build a better future.
Hopefully, the information in this post will be useful and help you to be observant. If you think a loved one is in an abusive relationship, you need to be careful and sensitive with the way that you approach the situation and offer your privacy and support.