Am I In A Domestic Violence Relationship?

Some bad things have happened and I have been afraid - but does this mean domestic violence? A good way to determine whether the situation you may be going through right now is ACTUALLY domestic violence is to look a the following factors:

Is there a cycle that you can identify?
1. Tension building time - Walking around on eggshells, feeling like no matter what you do, it will be wrong.
2. Physical or verbal incident - Scared, police involved, other concerned, confusion.
3. Calm, loving time - Sincere apologies, promieses that it will never happen again, flowers, gifts.
HOPE -- LOVE -- FEAR -- KEEPS THE CYCLE IN MOTION....
Are there power and control "issues?"

Does your partner:

Display extreme jealousy?
Blame you when something violent happens?
Question where you have been, why you were late, etc.?
Destroy household objects when angered?
Threaten to hurt you?
Have a history of violence?
Intimidate you into doing something you do not want to do?
Act cruelly to animals or children?
Want you to "change?"
Say you are crazy when you question their behavior?

If you recognize a "cycle" or the above behaviors in your relationship, you are probably in a domestic violence relationship.

To seek information or support - Please call the outreach advocates at your local women's shelter. Your call is confidential and support services are available.