Abuse: Not Always Bruises
Abuse can happen in any kind of relationship – between family members, friends, housemates, coworkers, in marriages, and in dating relationships. People of all ages, backgrounds and genders can find themselves in a relationship that is abusive. Abuse is never the fault of the person being abused, it is always the fault of the abusive person.
What are we talking about when we talk about abuse?
Abuse is a pattern of behavior that one person uses to gain power and control over the other. This behaviors aren’t always the visible signs one often associates with abuse…they include
* Isolation
* Emotional abuse
* Monitoring
* Controlling the finances
* Physical and sexual assault
The fundamental harm of abuse is a loss of autonomy. Autonomy means independence and freedom from external control. Everyone should be free to make their own choices in relationships. As friends and family who want to help, we can restore those choices that have been restricted or taken away by abuse.
There are signs and behaviors that abusers commonly show. Our quick reference list is meant to help identify red flags and abusive behavior in a relationship. This list is not exhaustive, and abusers might not display every behavior on this list – and still be abusive.
Looking for more information on abusive behavior? Check out our “Signs of An Abuser” list for a more in-depth look at signs of abusive, manipulative, and controlling behavior.
If you are being abused; have questions about abusive behavior; or need support as a friend or family member of someone who is being abused, help is available 24 hours a day on our HelpLine: (360) 754- 6300 tty:711
What are we talking about when we talk about abuse?
Abuse is a pattern of behavior that one person uses to gain power and control over the other. This behaviors aren’t always the visible signs one often associates with abuse…they include
* Isolation
* Emotional abuse
* Monitoring
* Controlling the finances
* Physical and sexual assault
The fundamental harm of abuse is a loss of autonomy. Autonomy means independence and freedom from external control. Everyone should be free to make their own choices in relationships. As friends and family who want to help, we can restore those choices that have been restricted or taken away by abuse.
There are signs and behaviors that abusers commonly show. Our quick reference list is meant to help identify red flags and abusive behavior in a relationship. This list is not exhaustive, and abusers might not display every behavior on this list – and still be abusive.
Looking for more information on abusive behavior? Check out our “Signs of An Abuser” list for a more in-depth look at signs of abusive, manipulative, and controlling behavior.
If you are being abused; have questions about abusive behavior; or need support as a friend or family member of someone who is being abused, help is available 24 hours a day on our HelpLine: (360) 754- 6300 tty:711
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