Warning Signs of Abuse
Does your partner...
- push, hit, choke or threaten to hurt you?
- put you down, call you names or stop you from going where you want?
- keep you from talking to your family or friends?
Are You With Someone Who.....
- is jealous and possessive toward you, won't let you have friends, checks up on you, or won't accept breaking up?
- tries to control you by being very bossy, giving orders, and making all the decisions?
- doesn't take your opinion seriously?
- frightens you? Do you find yourself worrying about how they will react to things you say or do?
- is violent, has a history of fighting, loses his temper quickly, or brags about mistreating others?
- pressures you for sex, is forceful or intimidating in sexual situations?
- thinks women or girls are sex objects?
- attempts to manipulate or guilt-trip you by saying "If you really loved me you would..."
- gets too serious about the relationship too fast?
- abuses drugs or alcohol and pressures you to take them?
- blames you when they mistreat you, and then says you provoked them, pressed their buttons, made them do it, or led them on?
- has a history of bad relationships and blames the other person for all the problems. "Women just don't understand me"?
- believes that men should be in control and powerful and that women should be passive and submissive?
Am I Safe?
 When beginning a new relationship, sometimes the excitement of going out with someone you really like stops you from seeing the warning signs of abuse. Remember, you don't have to have broken bones or a black eye to be abused. You may be experiencing emotional abuse. which can lead to physical abuse.
If you feel something is wrong, talk to somebody about your concerns. We can help you if you're being abused, or if you or your children have witnessed abuse.
Emergency
In case of emergency call 911, or The Chelsea Police Domestic Violence Unit at (617) 884-1212. If you need to talk, or if you need emergency shelter, call our 24-hour Confidential Hotline at 617-884-9909.
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