One out of every five intimate partner relationships is abusive.

This abuse takes many forms- emotional, mental, verbal, economical, sexual, and physical. In addition it is an equal opportunity crime, without regards to race, income, education level,  religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, etc. To determine if you, your relationship, or your partner are at risk for becoming abusive, read the following about your rights as well as common warning signs that the relationship may be abusive.

What Are Your Rights in a Relationship?

You Have the Right to...

...Express your opinions and have them be respected.

...Have your needs be as important as your partner's needs.

...Grow as an individual in your own way.

...Change your mind.

...Not take responsibility for your partner's behavior.

...Not be physically, emotionally, or sexually abused.

...Break up and fall out of love with someone and not be threatened.

 

 

Are You Being Abused?

Ask Yourself These Questions...

1. Am I frightened by my partner's temper?
2. Am I afraid to disagree?
3. Am I constantly apologizing for his/her behavior, especially when they have treated me badly?
4. Do I have to justify everything I do, every place I go, or every person I see just to avoid his/her anger?
5. Do he/she put me down and then tell me they love me?
6. Have I ever been hit, kicked, shoved, or had things thrown at me?
7. Do I not see my friends and/or family because of my partner's jealousy?
8. Have I had to quit my job, school activity, sport, etc because my partner was jealous of the time I spent away?
9. Have I been forced to have sex when I didn't want to?
10. Am I afraid to break up with him/her because he/she has threatened to hurt me, others, or themselves?

Are You Being Abusive?

Ask Yourself These Questions...

1. Do I constantly check up on my partner and accuse him/her of being with other people?
2. Am I extremely jealous or possessive?
3. Do I have an explosive temper?
4. Have I ever hit, kicked, shoved, or thrown things at my partner?
5. Do I constantly criticize or insult my partner?
6. Do I become violent when I drink or use drugs?
7. Have I threatened my partner, or broke things in his/her presence?
8. Have I forced my partner to have sex with me, or intimidated them until they were afraid to say no?
9. Have I threatened to hurt my partner?
10. Have I threatened to hurt myself or others if he/she breaks up with me and leaves?