Do Not Ignore the Signs of Abusive Relationships - Get Out Of Them

Abusive relationships are the biggest threat to girls and women of all ages. An alarming fact is that the number one cause of death for pregnant women is homicide. Women who are pregnant are at their most vulnerable state, and can be in danger of being killed by their mate. Most violent crimes against women are committed by someone who the victim knows, and it's usually the boyfriends and husbands who fit the bill.

It's not just men who are abusers.  Women violate men and also violently attack them. Although this does not happen as often as men attacking women, it still occurs in abusive relationships.

Abusive Relationships May Create Emotional Scars That Will Last a Lifetime

Regardless of the gender, violence against another is wrong.  Because females tend to be victims of domestic violence more then men, women and girls should be taught how to avoid abusive relationships.

Blurb Alert! Help is just a phone call away.  Visit The National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) .

Many women and girls will experience abusive relationships in their lifetimes. These negative relationships can  take many forms, each being traumatic.  Physical violence may heal over time, but the emotional damage from abusive relationships may alter the victim's psychological well-being for the rest of her life.

Many victims of abusive relationships will experience difficulty trusting people. Others will find it stressful to be alone because they feel as though they are not being protected.

Spotting Abusive Relationships and Possible Signs of Domestic Violence

Abusive relationships are not always easy to spot. If a friend or daughter exhibits a drastic change in attitude or demeanor, this could be a sign that there could be trouble.  If you ever suspect that she has found herself in an abusive relationship, you need to speak with her immediately.

Warning signs of domestic violence include:

• One partner checks up on the other a lot, for example, by listening in on phone calls, constantly asking about whereabouts, calling a person at work all day, checking a person's car mileage.
• One partner puts the other down, for example, by name-calling, constant criticism, public or private humiliation, or making the other partner feel crazy.
• One partner tries to control the other, such as telling the person not to see certain friends or family members, keeping the person away from school or work, making the person stay home when she (or he) wants to go out.
• One partner acts jealous or possessive and says it's a sign of love.
• One partner destroys or threatens to destroy the other's belongings.
• One partner threatens to hurt the other, or friends, family members, or pets.
• One partner touches the other in a way or ways that hurt or scare the other partner.
• One partner makes the other have sex in ways or at times that are uncomfortable.
• One partner blames the other one and other people for everything, and gets angry in a way that scares the other partner or observers.
• One partner says that the concerns of the other about the relationship are not real or not important.

People who are in abusive relationships may have a difficult time talking up about what is happening. They may love or identify with the aggressor and feel as though they would be turning on them by turning them in. Women in abusive relationships often fear that speaking out about what is going on will only make their situation worse when the aggressor finds out. If you suspect that someone you love is in an abusive relationship, make sure that he or she knows that you are there to listen, support and protect.

Personal Conclusion - If It's Abusive, Get Out While You Can

The best way to handle an abusive relationship is to get out of it.  If the abuse is in a marriage situation, some people feel that they are going against their faith by breaking their marriage vows, or they feel that it might be better for the children to stay in the relationship.  Knowledge is the enemy of faith.  If you value your well being and the well being of your children, get out of the abusive relationship.  It will only get worse.

"Do Not Ignore the Signs of Abusive Relationships - Get Out Of Them" contributed by Georgia Millinowski