Relationships can be enormously complex requiring a variety of factors: compassion, forgiveness, tolerance and a desire to seek the happiness of the other. That being said, all relationships are not always healthy.
Unhealthy behaviors within a relationship are often present early on as seemingly harmless actions that later escalate into problems. Identifying early signs of mistreatment can help you recognize a dysfunctional relationship and seek help for yourself or for a friend. Regardless of identity, anyone can be a victim of relationship violence.
10 signs of potential relationship violence
- Intensity: Over-the-top behavior that feels like too much too soon. Lying to cover up insecurity. Obsessive behavior.
- Jealousy: Irrational, angry behavior when you speak with someone your partner perceives as a threat. Persistently accusing you of flirtatious or inappropriate behavior.
- Control: Telling you what to wear, who to hang out with, when to speak or what to think.
- Isolation: Insisting you only spend time with them. Making you dependent on them for money, love, or acceptance.
- Sabotage: Making you miss appointments, work, or something important to you by starting a fight, pretending to be sick, breaking up with you, or hiding your phone or keys.
- Criticism: Calling you names. Brainwashing you to feel worthless.
- Blame: Making you feel guilty. Making you feel like everything is your fault.
- Anger: Overreacting to small issues. Losing control. Violent outbursts. Making you feel afraid.
- Alcohol: Becoming overly emotional after drinking. Sobbing, threatening to harm oneself, becoming violent or angry. Not remembering what happened while drunk. Using ‘I was drunk’ as an excuse for poor behavior.
- Group Conquest: Acting differently when in a group than when alone. Treating partners as conquests. Sexual one-upmanship.
If you or someone you know is experiencing an unhealthy or abusive relationship, there are resources. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. If you’re in imminent danger, please call 911.
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health, request an appointment with one of our professional mental health providers at Diversus Health today. If you need immediate assistance, call our crisis hotline at 844-493-8255, or text ‘TALK’ to 38255.