Home > Learn more about domestic violence > Warning signs

Warning signs

There are some warning signs that might allow a victim to determine that her relationship is abusive before she gets seriously hurt. Not all of these signs will appear in all abusive or potentially abusive relationships. The existence of one or several of these behaviors does not necessarily mean that a relationship is abusive, but it may signal that a relationship is not entirely healthy.

Warning signs of an abusive relationship include:

• Extreme jealousy
• Constant put-downs
• Telling the other person what to do
• Explosive temper
• Threats
• Possessiveness
• Preventing the other person from doing things she wants to do
• Big mood swings
• Making false accusations
• History of violence
• Isolating the other person from family and friends
• Financial control

Do you think you or someone you care about might be in an abusive relationship? Take our quiz to see if your relationship is as healthy as you deserve for it to be.

©1998-2003 Break the Cycle. All Rights Reserved.