5 Early Warning Signs Of An Abusive Relationship

Teen dating violence is a pattern of abuse, physically and emotionally, against dating partners. According to the CDC, there are around 1.5 million teenagers a year have experienced dating violence.

There is a lack of awareness in society that this is a growing issue. Studies show that approximately 80 percent of parents don’t believe that teen dating violence is a real problem.

To shed some light on these severe issues and learn about abusive behavior here are five signs of an abusive relationship.

1. Over-Controlling

Abusive relationships are about power and control. Your abuser wants to be in control of your life. They always try to make you feel powerless. It can include continually checking up where are you are in the day and if you don’t respond then receiving massive spam of messages and calls.

2. Continually feeling put by your partner down

A partner should build you up not put you down. If your partner is continually making you feel bad about yourself that could be a serious issue. They manipulate the victim to do what they want even if the victim doesn’t want to. They try to keep themselves in power and control by making you feel useless.

3. Extreme jealousy

Everyone has felt jealousy once in their life, but when is it considered a major red flag? It becomes a problem when an individual starts using their possessiveness to control their partner’s life. For example, if they begin to use their jealousy from seeing friends, wearing specific clothing, or even from working.

4. Name-Calling

Sure, name-calling is standard for any relationship but there comes the point when name-calling does not show affection but breaks you down instead. When your partner starts calling you names to break down your confidence and make you feel horrible about yourself is when there is a red flag.

5. Isolation

If you feel isolated in your relationship that could be a red flag. Your partner wants you to rely on them and make you think you constantly need them. They do this by slowly keeping you away from friends and family until you feel you have no one other than them.

If you find yourself in one of these situations, just know that you are not alone! There are people who can help through this terrible situation throughout the whole journey. This journey is one you don’t have to take alone.

Nobody deserves this kind of abuse no matter how many people say it’s your fault. Dating violence can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, and economic status. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for resources and help.