What Is Abuse and How to Know if You Are Being Abused

Abuse is all about control.

Abuse happens when one person believes they have power over another and exercises that power.

Abuse is not only physical. It can be psychological, spiritual, verbal, emotional, financial, and sexual for starters. Domestic violence is a result of the abusive mindset and the behaviors associated with that belief.

According to The Crisis Center, an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence in the lives of all people and empowering those victims of abuse, “domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence. Domestic violence happens when one person believes they are entitled to control another. Assault, battering, and domestic violence are crimes.”

How do you know if you are being abused or have been abused?

Here are some examples of abuse:

• If you have been coerced or manipulated into doing something you did not want to do, you have been emotionally abused.
• If you are afraid of your partner and feel like you have to “walk on eggshells” to not anger them, you have experienced psychological abuse.
• If you have been pushed into a corner, you have been physically abused.
• If you have been called a name, you have been verbally abused.
• If you have been held against your will or made to do anything because of your partner’s religious beliefs, you have been abused.
• If your significant other has punched you in the face, you have been physically abused.
• If you were forced to have sex without your consent, you have been sexually abused.
• If you are in an intimate relationship where you are not “allowed” to have or spend money, you are in a financially abusive relationship.
• If you have been made to feel that if you do not do something or give something you will “pay,” you have been psychologically abused.
• If you feel deflated, always tired, confused, depressed, scared to make a decision for yourself or feel like you are losing your mind, you might be in an abusive relationship.
• If you think you are being abused in any way, you probably are.

If you are experiencing at least three or more of the above examples of abuse, chances are high that you are in an abusive relationship or situation. You are not alone!

Please contact The Crisis Center for confidential and compassionate assistance. There is no charge to speak to a counselor, and they are open 24 hours, 7 days per week. 1-888-247-7472.

 There is only one YOU. Get help before it is too late!