Health Living

Watch for Warning Signs of Relationship Violence

• The Basics
• Take Action

The Basics

Overview

It can be hard to know if your relationship is becoming unhealthy or unsafe. But there are things you can do to spot the warning signs of relationship violence and get help.

If you think your partner might be controlling or abusive, it's important to:

• Trust your feelings — if something doesn’t seem right, take it seriously
• Learn the warning signs of someone who might become controlling or violent
• Get help — call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224) to find resources in your area

If your partner is controlling or abusive, it’s better to get help right away. Controlling or violent relationships may get worse over time.

Remember: if your partner hurts you, it’s not your fault.

Definition

What is relationship violence?

Relationship violence is when 1 person in a relationship — or from a past relationship — is abusive or controlling toward the other person. Relationship violence can happen in a serious or casual relationship, and it can take place in person or online. Sometimes, both partners act in abusive or controlling ways.

Relationship violence is also called dating violence, domestic violence, or intimate partner violence. It can include:

• Physical violence — like pushing, hitting, or throwing things
• Sexual violence — like forcing or trying to force someone to do something sexual
• Threats of physical or sexual violence — including threatening to hurt another person or a pet
• Emotional abuse — like embarrassing a partner or keeping that person away from family and friends
• Stalking — like watching or following a partner, or sending repeated unwanted phone calls or texts

Get help if your partner is making you feel controlled or afraid — even if they haven’t hurt you physically. There are experts who can help you figure out what to do next.

Healthy Relationships

How do I know if my relationship is healthy?

In healthy relationships, both partners take responsibility for their actions and work together to sort out problems. In a healthy relationship, both people:

• Feel respected, supported, and valued
• Make decisions
• Have friends and interests outside of the relationship
• Settle disagreements with open and honest communication
• Respect each other's privacy and space

Warning Signs

How do I know if my relationship might become violent?

Relationship violence can start slowly and be hard to recognize. For example, when people first start dating, it’s common to want to spend a lot of time together. But your partner asking you to spend less time with other people can also be a sign that your partner is trying to control your time.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Does my partner disrespect or insult me?
• Does my partner blame me for problems that aren’t my fault, like how they treat me?
• Does my partner make most of the decisions in our relationship?
• Am I ever afraid to tell my partner something?
• Do I ever feel forced to do things that I don't want to do?
• Has my partner ever forced or pressured me to do something sexual with them when I didn’t want to?
• Does my partner promise to change and then keep doing the same hurtful things?

Get more information about the signs of abusive relationships.

What if I’m not sure if my relationship is violent?

It’s okay if you’re not sure — you can still get help.

If you have questions about your relationship, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224) or chat online with a person trained to help. The hotline and chat are free and available 24/7. You don’t even have to give your name.

If you’re in danger right now, call 911.

Health Effects

How can relationship violence affect health?

While physical violence can cause physical injuries, the stress of any kind of relationship violence or abuse can also lead to other serious problems. These include:

• Eating disorders
• Trouble sleeping
• Depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems — like panic attacks or thinking about suicide
• Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD — a type of anxiety disorder you can get after experiencing something traumatic or harmful
• Trouble trusting people and building relationships
• Drinking too much alcohol or using drugs