Recognize Abuse
The first step to safety is awareness. Learn to identify warning signs of all forms of abuse and violence.
What is Abuse?
Abuse is a pattern of behavior used by one person to gain and maintain power and control over another. It is not limited to physical violence — abuse takes many forms including emotional, sexual, financial, and digital. It can happen to anyone regardless of gender, age, race, income level, sexual orientation, or relationship type.
What distinguishes abuse from conflict is the element of power and control. While disagreements and arguments are part of all relationships, abuse involves deliberate tactics to dominate, intimidate, and undermine another person. Recognizing these patterns is the foundation of safety and healing.
Types of Abuse
Abuse rarely exists in isolation. Many survivors experience multiple forms simultaneously.
Physical Abuse
Includes hitting, kicking, choking, restraining, and throwing objects. Physical abuse is often the most visible but rarely starts there — it typically escalates from other forms of control.
Emotional & Psychological Abuse
Manipulation, gaslighting, constant humiliation, and relentless criticism designed to erode self-worth. Often precedes and accompanies other forms of abuse.
Sexual Abuse
Any unwanted sexual contact or coercion, including within relationships or marriage. Reproductive control — forcing or preventing pregnancy — is also a form of sexual abuse.
Financial & Economic Abuse
Controlling access to money, sabotaging employment, creating debt in a victim's name, or using financial resources as a weapon to maintain power and prevent escape.
Digital & Cyber Abuse
Monitoring devices and accounts, stalking online, sharing private images without consent, and using technology to track, control, or intimidate.
Stalking
Repeated following, unwanted contact, surveillance, and threatening communications. Stalking often involves a pattern of behavior intended to make someone fear for their safety.
Recognizing the Signs
These warning signs may indicate an abusive or controlling relationship. Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, take it seriously.
Fear your partner's anger or reactions
Feel like you are constantly 'walking on eggshells'
Have been isolated from friends, family, or support networks
Are frequently humiliated, criticized, or mocked — publicly or privately
Have a partner who controls your finances or limits your access to money
Have a partner who monitors your phone, location, or social media
Have received threats against yourself, your children, or your pets
Have suffered physical harm or intimidation
Feel sexually pressured or coerced
Witness your partner destroy property during arguments
Are blamed for everything that goes wrong in the relationship
Feel trapped and unable to make decisions freely
1 in 3
Women experience IPV
Source: NCADV
1 in 4
Men experience IPV
Source: NCADV
10M+
Annual DV victims in US
Source: NCADV
Only 34%
Report abuse to police
Source: NCADV
“Recognizing abuse isn't about labeling someone — it's about identifying harmful patterns that are never acceptable in any relationship.”
Empowering Saves Lives
Myths vs. Facts About Abuse
Common misconceptions prevent victims from seeking help and prevent bystanders from offering it. Let's dispel them.
How to Help Someone
If you suspect someone you care about is being abused, your response can make a profound difference.
Believe Them
If someone shares their experience with you, believe them unconditionally. Victims are rarely lying, and disbelief causes immense additional harm. Validate their feelings without judgment.
Share Resources
Gently provide hotline numbers and resource links. The National DV Hotline (1-800-799-7233) has trained advocates available 24/7 and can help both survivors and supporters.
Be Patient
Leaving an abusive relationship is a process, not an event. Survivors often return multiple times before leaving permanently. Stay present, keep communication open, and never issue ultimatums.
Emergency Resources
Immediate danger? Call 911
National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (24/7, free, confidential)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Related Programs
Stay Informed. Stay Safe.
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You Are Not Alone
Millions of people have been where you are. With the right knowledge and support, safety and healing are possible.