Recognising domestic abuse
Although every situation is unique, there are common factors that link the experience of an abusive relationship. Acknowledging these factors is an important step in preventing and stopping the abuse. This list can help you to recognise if you, or someone you know, are in an abusive relationship.
Destructive criticism and verbal abuse:
- shouting
- mocking
- accusing
- name calling
- verbally threatening
Pressure tactics:
- sulking
- threatening to withhold money
- disconnecting the phone and internet
- taking away or destroying your mobile, tablet or laptop
- taking the car away
- taking the children away
- threatening to report you to the police, social services or the mental health team
- threatening or attempting self-harm and suicide
- withholding or pressuring you to use drugs or other substances
- lying to your friends and family about you
- telling you that you have no choice in any decisions.
Isolation:
- monitoring or blocking your phone calls, e-mails and social media accounts
- telling you where you can and cannot go
- preventing you from seeing friends and relatives
- shutting you in the house
Harassment:
- following you
- checking up on you
- not allowing you any privacy (for example, opening your mail, going through your laptop, tablet or mobile)
- repeatedly checking to see who has phoned you
- embarrassing you in public
- accompanying you everywhere you go