Knowing the signs of abuse

You may not be able to identify abuse in the early stages as it usually begins in a subtle way. It can begin as an occasional unkind comment, can turn more vicious later on and over a period of time the abuser begins controlling your behaviour and your life. As the situation worsens the abuse can become more frequent, severe and violent, putting your safety and that of your children at a dangerous risk. Here are some signs that will help you know if you are in a relationship with a person who abuses you.

Signs of domestic abuse

• You have to constantly keep asking the person money for your everyday expenses.
• The person often commits deliberate acts to scare you.
• The person is very possessive of you and questions your actions every time, often accusing you of being unfaithful.
• The person tries to control you in everyway—what you do, what you wear, where you go, whom you talk to, etc.
• Gets violent when intoxicated with alcohol or drugs
• Threatens to kill you or threatens suicide
• Beats you up often or threatens you with a weapon
• Forces you to have sex without your consent
• Prevents you from seeing family members and friends

Dangers of domestic abuse

Domestic violence can be especially dangerous if you are pregnant or have children. The health of your unborn baby and that of your children are at extreme risk. Besides, being witness to abuse can have a psychologically negative impact on children. Most men who abuse their wives abuse their children too. If you feel you or your children are victims of abuse, seek help immediately. It is the best way to save your children and yourself.

                                                                                       (To be continued)