Relationship abuse or violence is a pattern of behavior by one partner designed to establish power or control over the other partner. It can take the form of physical, verbal, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse. Most people think of physical violence as the only type of relationship abuse. But in fact, more than 30 years of relationship violence research has indicated that the verbal and emotional abuse has as much or more negative impact on survivors of violence than physical abuse. Watch Kati Morton’s video to learn more.
Acts of Physical Violence Examples:
- Holding partner down
- Pushing or shoving partner
- Keeping partner in one room against their will
- Threatening to use force
- Breaking, throwing or damaging partner’s belongings
- Blocking exits
- Hitting or punching
- Squeezing and leaving bruises
- Pushing out of car or keeping someone restrained in a car
- Abuse, or threatened abuse, of children or pets
- Forced sex or unwanted touching
- Driving recklessly while you are in the car
- Twisting arms or tearing clothes
- Standing or sitting on you
Acts of Psychological Abuse
- Isolating another from family & friends
- Being irresponsible with money
- Controlling access to money
- Withholding sex
- Criticizing a partner’s looks
- Unwanted sexual demands
- Making fun of partner
- Keeping partner up all night
- Blaming the other partner for all relationship problems
- Threatening breakup, divorce or separation
- Having affairs
- Constant questioning about activities
- Using alcohol and/or drugs
- Refusing to work
- Keeping partner from working
Acts of Verbal Abuse
- Unwarranted accusations of cheating
- Calling you names (i.e. whore, slut, bastard, etc.)
- Leaving nasty voicemails
- Harassing text messages
- Giving you the “silent treatment” as punishment
- Making insulting and critical comments about you (e.g., “you’re so dumb”, “you’re fat”, etc.)
- Yelling or screaming at you
- Being sarcastic
- Threats to use violence against you
- Threats to children or pets
- Telling you that nothing is good enough
- Criticism of your memory– telling you what you remembered did not happen
If you feel you are in danger, immediately call 911.
If you would like to take a free assessment used by law enforcement to determine the threat level, click here. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or check out the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence website to learn more.
For more local resources on domestic violence, check out the Center for Family Safety and Healing resource page. To reach out to a counselor at Columbus Behavioral Health that specializes in relationship issues/challenges, please call our office at 614-360-2600.
