Red flag

Currently, there are millions of women who have their fundamental rights unwillingly stripped away from them by their partners. Every nine seconds in the United States, a woman is assaulted by someone who tells her that he loves her, by someone who tells her that it is her fault. One in four women will know domestic violence during her lifetime, and 4.8 million women are victims every year. Domestic violence affects us all in some way, and because of this, it is important to recognize the red flags of a potentially abusive relationship.

Common red flags of a potentially abusive relationship include, but not limited to:

  • He comes on like a “knight in shining armor”
  • He gets serious in a relationship very quickly
  • He has a dual personality; his mood shifts very quickly
  • He can’t stand criticism and is always on the defensive
  • Unspoken threats of withdrawal if you don’t comply with his wishes: “If you really love me, you’ll do this.”
  • You feel awkward and incompetent around him
  • He feels that other’s mistakes are directed against him
  • You feel controlled
  • He does not take responsibility for his behavior and always blames others
  • He does not change his behavior; his promises and apologies are empty

Helping a friend – red flags to look out for:

  • The abuser seems to have the final say in every decision and she appears reluctant to give a final answer
  • You realize she does not have any access to her own financial means
  • She appears fearful of any sort of confrontation
  • She tends to minimize words and/or behaviors in the relationship that seem inappropriate or abusive to you

Often times, the signs that are the most prevalent in an abusive relationship are the ones we most easily overlook. Genesis strives to uphold equality by prioritizing and protecting the safety, health, and education of women and their children. And, by familiarizing yourself with these red flags of a potentially abusive relationship, you are proactively helping in the mission towards ending domestic violence.

Posted in Domestic Violence