Abuse is not always what you think.
Many survivors do not use the word “abuse” to describe what is happening to them — even when it is. Abuse is about power and control, not just physical violence. If any of the following sounds familiar, you are not alone, and help is available.
Types of Abuse
-
Physical Abuse
Hitting, slapping, pushing, choking, kicking, or any use of physical force to hurt, intimidate, or control you.
-
Emotional/Psychological Abuse
Constant criticism, humiliation, threats, gaslighting, isolating you from friends and family, or making you feel worthless or "crazy."
-
Financial Abuse
Controlling your access to money preventing you from working, taking your paycheck, running up debt in your name, or making you ask for money.
-
Sexual Abuse
Any sexual contact or behavior without your full and ongoing consent, including within a marriage or relationship.
-
Stalking and Harassment
Monitoring your location, reading your messages, showing up where you are uninvited, or threatening you repeatedly.
-
Digital Abuse
Using technology to monitor, harass, or control you — including tracking your phone, demanding your passwords, or posting content about you without consent.
Signs you may be in an abusive relationship
• You feel afraid of your partner or afraid of making them angry.
• Your partner controls who you can see, where you can go, or what you can do.
• You are blamed for your partner’s behavior or told that you “make them” act this way.
• Your partner has threatened to hurt you, your children, your pets, or themselves.
• You have been hit, pushed, choked, or physically hurt by your partner.
• Your partner controls your money or has hurt your ability to work.
• You feel like you have to "walk on eggshells" around your partner.
• You have been forced or pressured into sexual activity you did not want.
• Your partner monitors your phone, email, or social media.
• You have pulled away from people you care about because of your relationship.
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s not your fault. It does not matter how long it has been happening, whether there are children involved, or whether you still love your partner. You deserve to be safe. Bridgeway is here — free, confidential, and without judgment.