When someone in your life:
- Controls where you go and who you see;
- Threatens to hurt you or the things and/or people you care about;
- Prevents you from getting a job, benefits or any independent income;
- Intimidates you through looks, words or actions;
- Puts you down and constantly criticises you, suggests you're the one causing the problems;
- Sexually or physically hurts you and forces you to do things you don't want to do;
- Denies you access to professional help, say from doctors or school teachers;
- Leaves you feeling afraid, sad, angry or confused.
These are just some examples - there are many. Often, domestic violence gets worse and affects many areas of your life. Domestic violence is complicated and it hurts - someone who says they care for you is hurting you.
If you are worried about your own behaviour, ask yourself, do you;
- Feel overwhelming jealousy towards your partner, ex-partner or family member?
- Think you have difficulties with controlling your anger?
- Feel you have a right to know where someone is at all times, doing what and with whom?
- Do you justify your behaviour through alcohol, drugs or stress?
- Do you find yourself answering the questions above with a 'yes, but'?
You may recognise some of these feelings and thoughts, even some of these behaviours, in your own life or those of people you know.
The following publications also give valuable information and advice.
