Are you abused? Does your partner...

• constantly criticize you and your abilities as a spouse, partner, parent, or employee? 
• behave in an overprotective manner or become extremely jealous? 
• call you names or fight with you in front of friends or family? 
• threaten to hurt you, your children, pets, family members, friends, or himself/herself? 
• prevent you from seeing family or friends? 
• suddenly get angry or lose his/her temper? 
• destroy personal property? 
• deny you access to family assets like bank accounts, credit cards, and cars? 
• control all your finances or withhold money from you? 
• use intimidation or manipulation to control you or your children? 
• hit, punch, slap, kick, shove, or bite you? 
• prevent you from going places? 
• force you to have sex? 
• harass you at work?

While some survivors of sexual violence may feel many of these reactions, others may experience only a few.

Once your are able to express your feelings with supportive helpers in a safe environment, these feelings will lessen over time. It is important to pay attention to any physical health difficulties and seek help for them.