Abuse can be subtle and can take many forms.There are a number of things that you can do if you are worried about being abused.It's possible to avoid spending time with people who are abusive.If you learn to recognize the signs of abuse, you will know if you need to seek help.Knowing where to turn and what to do can help you avoid further abuse.
Step 1: If anyone has abused you in the past, watch them.
People who have abused you before are more likely to do it again.You should avoid contact with people who have abused you in the past.Don't spend time alone with the person if avoiding contact is not possible.Whenever you have to spend time with the abusive person, ask a friend or family member to accompany you.Don't allow anyone to threaten you with abuse.If you have been threatened with abuse, you should avoid contact with anyone who has threatened you.
Step 2: You should look for violent behavior.
People who display violent behavior are more likely to be abusers.You might feel like you have to walk on eggshells around the person to not make them angry.Try not to have contact with people who are angry.Throwing things breaking items punching walls or kicking furniture grabbing your arm are some examples of this type of behavior.
Step 3: Be aware of jealousy and controlling behavior.
People who seem to need to control everyone are more likely to be abusive.If your significant other is often jealous for no reason or wants to know every detail about where you are going, then he or she may turn to abuse at some point.Some examples of jealousy and controlling behavior include: constantly checking up on you if you are late calling you a liar, telling you how to dress or act pressuring you to make an immediate commitment.
Step 4: If the person tries to keep you apart, notice.
Abusive people use isolation to control others.Asking that you don't spend as much time with certain people may be subtle at first.Even if you are close friends or family members, an abusive person may forbid you from seeing them.In a heterosexual relationship with a male abuser, he may accuse you of being a lesbian if you spend time with male friends.
Step 5: Listen to the person justifying their behavior.
Abusive people often blame other people, including those who they abuse, for their behavior.Think about what a person would say if they had done something abusive.Is the person blaming you or other people for his violent behavior?Do what you can to get away from this person.He or she is likely to justify violent behavior towards you.Abusers may accuse those they abuse of being too sensitive.If someone makes you feel bad about yourself, then they may be abusing you.
Step 6: Consider the person's treatment of animals and children.
People who are cruel to animals and children.If you pay attention to how the person behaves around animals and children, you can get clues about how he or she will treat you.Does the person kick the dog out of frustration?Did the person say something bad to the child because he or she was in a bad mood?It is possible that someone will become abusive towards you in the future.
Step 7: Think about the person.
During consensual sex, some abusive people will engage in violent acts.The person might try to restrain you during sex, hit you, or continue doing something even though you have expressed your dislike of it.These are some types of signs.Don't stay with someone who makes sex painful.
Step 8: Look for signs of physical abuse.
Some forms of physical abuse are not immediately obvious.If you have injuries on your body that look like a hand print or another object, such as a belt, you are being physically abused.
Step 9: There are signs of emotional abuse.
There are a number of ways emotional abuse can show up.Pay attention to how you are treated.If you feel like you are being emotionally abused, you may be displaying extreme behaviors, such as being either extremely demanding or extremely passive, which are not attached.
Step 10: There are signs of sexual abuse.
There are some signs that you can look for in sexual abuse.Children are the most common victims of this form of abuse.You may be suffering from sexual abuse if you have ever been asked or forced to do something sexually that you were not comfortable doing or did not want to avoid a specific person because of the way he or she interacts with you.
Step 11: Do you know if you're in an abusive relationship?
It can be hard to recognize abuse in a relationship.There are some signs that you may be involved in an abusive relationship.If you feel like you have to go along with everything your partner says, you may be in an abusive relationship.
Step 12: Seek assistance.
If you're in an abusive relationship, the first thing you need to do is find some help for yourself.You can talk to someone who you can trust.Tell the person what's going on and ask for help to get out of the situation.It is possible that you will need to live somewhere else for a while if you talk to a teacher or counselor about the abuse.This is for your protection, not punishment.An anonymous report can be made if you suspect someone else is being abused.
Step 13: You should make a plan to get away from your abusive partner.
It's not a good idea to stay in the same household if you're still being abused.If you are in a situation where you live with an abusive person, the best thing to do is to make a plan to leave.Discuss an escape plan with a trusted family member or friend.If you are worried that your abuse will come after you, you may want to seek help from the authorities.If you don't know what you need to bring with you, try to have them ready to go when you leave.You can keep the items that you want to bring along in the same drawer or corner of your closet if you pack a bag.If you need help with an escape plan, call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
Step 14: You should leave when your abuser isn't at home.
It is best to leave an abusive relationship when the person is not at home.It's possible that you'll leave when your abuser is at work or out with friends.If you can't leave when your abuser is at home, you may want to ask your friends and family to be with you.
Step 15: Seek help.
Recovering from abuse can take years and it requires the guidance of a trained mental health professional.As you recover from an abusive relationship, make sure to seek professional help.