Pattern of Abusive Behaviors

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used by one person to gain power and control over another in an intimate or family relationship.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Does your partner:
  • Call you bad names and embarrass you with put-downs?
  • Look at you in ways that scare you?
  • Take your money or not let you have access to any money?
  • Keep you from getting or keeping a job of your own?
  • Try to limit your contact with your family and friends?
  • Destroy your property?
  • Threaten to harm or harm your pets?
  • Control what you do or where you go?
  • Hit, shove, slap, or choke you?
  • Pressure or force you into unwanted sexual contact?
  • Blame his/her bad behavior on you?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions you may be in an abusive relationship.