Recognising abuse

Physical abuse

Physical abuse is the most recognisable form of abuse. It can range from a slap or shove to a black eye, cut lip, or broken bone. In the most extreme cases it can result in death.

It doesn't always leave visible marks or scars. Having your hair pulled or an egg thrown at you is domestic violence too. Don't underestimate what is happening to you. Over time it often gets worse.

Emotional abuse

Many women experience domestic violence without ever being physically abused. Sometimes they're not sure if what is happening to them is domestic violence. They worry no-one will take them seriously if they talk about it.

If you alter your behaviour because you are frightened of how your partner will react, you are being abused. Emotional abuse is an attack on your personality rather than your body.

This list can help you recognise whether your partner is controlling you:

• Are you afraid of your partner?
• Do you feel isolated? Does he cut you off from family and friends?
• Is he jealous and possessive?
• Does he humiliate or insult you?
• Does he verbally abuse you?
• Does he say you are useless and couldn't cope without him?
• Has he threatened to hurt you or people close to you?
• Does he constantly criticise you?
• Does he have sudden changes of mood which dominate the household?
• Is he charming one minute, abusive the next? Like Dr Jekyll / Mr Hyde?
• Does he control your money?
• Do you feel dominated and controlled?
• Do you change your behaviour to avoid triggering an attack?
• Are you unsure of your own judgement?

There are so many different ways of being abusive. Here are a few examples:

• Damaging your possessions.
• Smashing up the furniture.
• Threatening to kill the pets.
• Threatening to kidnap or get custody of the children.
• Driving fast because he knows it scares you.
• Locking you out of the house during an argument.
• Telling you what to wear or how to do your hair.

Emotional abuse can be as harmful as physical abuse. It often leads to physical violence over time.

Sexual abuse

Your partner should not use force or threats to make you have sex. He should not make you perform sexual acts with which you are uncomfortable.

He should not criticise your performance.

If he does any of the above, he is using sex to assert his authority and control you.

To find out more about domestic violence, you can read Power and Control, Why Charming Men Can Make Dangerous Lovers (Vermilion) by Sandra Horley OBE, Refuge's chief executive.