Early warning signs of an abusive relationship

It can be difficult for many people trapped in toxic and abusive relationships to spot the warning signs.

These can include (but are not limited to) the following:

Your partner constantly criticises, humiliates or belittles you
Your partner checks up on you or follows you
Your partner tries to keep you from seeing your friends or family
Your partner has prevented you or made it hard for you to continue studying or going to work
Your partner unjustly accuses you of flirting or having affairs with others
Your partner has forced you to do something that you really did not want to do
Your partner has deliberately destroyed any of your possessions
You have changed your behaviour because you are afraid of what your partner might do or say to you
Your partner controls your finances
Your partner talks down to you
Your partner has strong opinions on what you should wear and your appearance
Your partner has tried to prevent you from leaving your house
Your partner has forced you or harassed you into performing a sexual act
Your partner has threatened to reveal or publish private information
Your partner threatens to hurt him or herself if you leave them
Your partner witholds medication from you
Your partner makes you feel guilty all the time
Your partner blames you for their bad moods and outbursts
You are afraid of your partner

Visit womensaid.org.uk or call 0808-2000 247 for more information about coercive control, domestic abuse, and the help available for those affected.

Mel B shares the “tiny” red flags that so many people miss in an abusive relationship