Examples of Abusive Behaviours
If any of these behaviour examples seem familiar to you, you may be experiencing abuse.
- trying to control you or being jealous
"My partner doesn't like it when I dress a certain way. He says I'm just trying to get attention from men. Sometimes he accuses me of cheating on him."
- isolating you from other people
"I used to spend a lot more time with my family and friends. My partner doesn't get along with them, and he thinks they are bad for me. He doesn't like it when I go out without him. Sometimes I miss having other people to talk to."
- taking or controlling your money
"My husband is in charge of the family finances. He pays the bills and makes the decisions. I don't even know how much money we have, or if my name is on any accounts. I worry about how I would make money and manage money if I ever left him."
- not letting you receive medical care
"I had some health problems and my partner wouldn't let me go to the doctor. If he did let me go, he always came with me and did most of the talking. One time when he was mad at me, he flushed my medications down the toilet."
- threats or intimidation
"My boyfriend once said that I'd regret it if I ever left him. I wasn't sure exactly what he meant, but I'm afraid. I worry that he might hurt my family or my pets. Sometimes he damages my belongings when he is really angry."
- putting you down or insulting you
"My partner says that I'm not smart enough to do things. He calls me names and says that I am fat. It's hard to feel good about myself when I hear those things all the time."
- not taking responsibility for abusive behaviours and minimizing behaviours
"My husband has a temper. He'll go into a rage and yell horrible things. Later on, he says that I made him do it because I wasn't listening to him. One time he grabbed me by the hair. He says that happened six months ago and I should get over it by now. He said he would go to counselling, but he still hasn't gone."
