Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship - How to Find Out Before Its Too Late

Lynne Gold-Bikin is the founder of Family Law'sThey see you talking to someone they do not know
Commission on Domestic Violence. She tells the Newand now here comes the cross examination. What
York Daily News, "A victim is often alienated fromwere the two of you taking about? Your significant
friends and family by the abuser, and if someoneother's body language and tone of voice lets you
says something to her about the abuse, she may notknow they are very upset.
listen."It can even be someone they know but they are
It could be any number of reasons why they refuseangry because they did not "authorize" you to carry
to listen. It can be anything from love to juston a conversation.
complete and effective manipulation by the abuser. If3 They Decide and That's Final
the abuse victim does finally realize what is going onIn certain matters you have no problem with your
trying can prove to be very dangerous.significant other taking the lead and making a decision.
The relationship may start off as love and romanceThey seem to enjoy it and its no sweat off your
personified but it is crucial that you be aware frombrow.
the beginning of any potential signs of an abusiveHowever on those rare occasions when you do
relationship.make a suggestion about what to do and where to
1 Where Did You Go?go they do not take it well. Either they sit there
It was never really a problem in any relationship youstewing and adamantly refuse to do what you
had. It was understood that both parties from timesuggest. Or they fly into a rage and explain in very
to time need their space. Not this time. Yourstrong terms that the two of you are going to do
significant other wants to know your whereabouts atexactly what they want and they need no advice
all times. And they are very insistent about it.from you or anyone else when it comes to making
2. Who Were You Talking To And Why?decisions.