Relationship abuse is a pattern of behaviors used to gain or maintain power and control over a partner, which can manifest in several ways. There’s usually more than one form of abusive behavior in an abusive relationship.

Understanding how abuse appears and intersects can prepare you to respond to situations safely for yourself and others.

You may be experiencing physical abuse if your partner has or repeatedly does any of the following abusive behaviors:

• Pull your hair or punch, slap, kick, bite, choke, or smother you.

• Forbid or prevent you from eating or sleeping.

• Use weapons against you, including firearms, knives, bats, or mace.

• Prevent you from contacting emergency services, including medical attention or law enforcement.

• Harm your children or pets.

• Drive recklessly or dangerously with you in the car or abandon you in unfamiliar places.

• Force you to use drugs or alcohol, especially if you have a history of substance abuse.

• They are trapping you in your home or preventing you from leaving.

• Throw objects at you.

• Prevent you from taking prescribed medication or deny you necessary medical treatment.

Answers shouldn’t be hard to find. Contact someone or an agency for help.​