It may not be easy to identify abuse. Abuse does not happen over night; it’s a gradual process. The abuser may criticize your appearance or be unreasonably jealous. Gradually, abuse becomes more frequent, severe and potentially life threatening. However, many characteristics signify an abusive relationship. For example, you may be abused if you:

• Have been hit, kicked, shoved or threatened with violence
• Feel that you have no choice about how you spend your time, where you go or what you wear
• Must ask your partner for permission to make every day decisions
• Feel bad about yourself because your partner calls you names, insults you or puts you down
• Limit time with your family & friends because of your partner’s demands
• Submit to sex acts against your will
• Accept your partner’s decisions because you’re afraid of ensuing anger
• Change your behavior in an effort to not anger your partner
• Do not have your own money and are not allowed to participate in family finances
• You are told that you may not worship, must worship a God not to your understanding or can’t practice spirituality in your life