What does abuse in a relationship look and feel like?
Hint: You can’t always see it.
It can sometimes be difficult to know whether you are being abused, especially if your partner or caregiver says they love you, showers you with attention, buys gifts, and contributes to household expenses like groceries or rent. They may not even be physically abusive toward you.
People who are abusive will often act loving and supportive as a way to keep you in the relationship. Your partner’s loving behavior never makes their abusive behavior acceptable.
Intimate partners who abuse you may:
Threaten to abuse you or commit suicide |
Isolate from friends and family |
Bruise hidden parts of your body |
Restrict your access to money |
Blame you for their behavior |
Force you to do illegal things |
Threaten to call immigration |
Say everything is your fault |
Call you names |
Play mind games with you |
Destroy your property |
Prevent you from working |
Abuse a family pet |
Hurt your children |
At NextStep, we advocate for your well-being, regardless of your difficult decision to stay or leave a relationship where there is abuse. We understand the complexities you face. We will help you create a safety plan that takes into account all your hopes and fears.
Call our confidential 24/7 Helpline 1-800-315-5579 to connect with a trained advocate who will listen judgment-free, and help you figure out the right next steps for you. You do not have to be in crisis to call, nor do you have to leave your relationship.
Access our safety planning, one-on-one counseling, support groups, and legal help. If you need a safe place to stay, we have a free emergency shelter and long-term supportive housing that may be available as you get back on your feet. Our team can assist you to find transportation, pet and child-care, financial planning, and community referrals along your healing journey. NextStep is always here for YOU.
