What is Relationship Violence?
- Relationship violence is not a one-size-fits-all definition, and it is important to remember that there are many different aspects of relationship violence that may be seen in a variety of different relationships
- Relationship Violence can include: emotional, financial, spiritual, physical, sexual abuse, harassment, and stalking. It is possible to be affected by multiple, or only one form of abuse.
- There is no specific group that is affected by relationship violence. People of any age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or spirituality can be victims of Relationship Violence.
Recognizing the Signs
Abusive relationships and sexual violence can be a dangerous and confusing experience. All forms of violence and abuse are never okay and can leave lasting impacts on a person. In any relationship, take the time to reflect on what you are experiencing and consider what support you may need.
Relationship violence looks and feels different for everyone, only you can decide what is healthy or unhealthy for you. The lists below are intended to help you recognize warning signs; however, it is not designed to be a complete checklist of warning signs.
There are many risk factors that can be present in a relationship that may indicate that the relationship is, or could turn abusive. It is improtant to know that some of these do not appear overnight, and will rather emerge and intensify as the relationship grows. Some of these factors can include, but are not limited to:
- a partner behaving in a way that scare the other
- a partner who is controlling
- taking money or refusing to share money
- embarassing or putting th eother person down
- preventing independent decisions
- preventing the other person from working or attending school
- being physically violent
- intimidationg the partner
- pressuring the partner into sexual activity or preventing birth control use
- pressuring the partner into taking substances such as drugs or alcohol
- is jealous, possessive and won't accept breaking up?
- waits for you every day outside your office, classroom, the recreation centre?
- looks through your phone and social media to control or know what you post and who you are communicating with?
- screams, yells, puts you down in front of your friends, tells you that you are stupid or ugly?
- is violent, screams, hits, pushes or shoves you?
- pressures you for sex or forces you into having sex?
- does not hear and accept "No"?
- makes your friends and family afraid for your safety?
- dismisses or minimizes your feelings and opinions?
- becomes jealous when you talk to/spend time with other people and the jealousy is unfounded?
- felt threatened by your partner's physical strength and size?
- stayed in a relationship after you recognized that it was no longer loving or supportive?
- felt anxious or like you are walking on eggshells when you are with your partner?
- been told or made to feel like you were responsible for someone else's anger?
- stayed in the relationship because you felt responsible for your partner?
- felt pressured, intimidated, or coerced into making decisions you otherwise would not?
- backed down from an argument with a partner because you felt intimidated?
- worried that if you continued expressing your views, the situation might get out of hand?