Can you identify warning signs of an abusive relationship?

 Posted on July 10, 2017 in Domestic Violence

If you are in a relationship that is suspiciously volatile, you may be wondering if your spouse is abusive. While every case of domestic violence in Illinois is different in terms of severity and circumstance, there are underlying signs you can look for to protect yourself and avoid a potentially dangerous situation.

According to the Huffington Post, there are several indicators that you could look for early on in any relationship that are common traits in abusive situations. These include the following:

• Overprotection and concern: If your spouse seems to be so concerned about you that it borders overprotection, you may want to look closer. He or she may want to know where you are at all times, who you are spending time with and how you are spending your money. If you neglect to respond right away, he or she may make decisions on your behalf or demand a decision from you.
• Excessive gifts: While you may enjoy receiving expensive gifts, too much gift giving is certainly a red flag. If your spouse regularly showers you with unexpected, expensive or excessive gifts, he or she could be trying to distract you from other negative or controlling behaviors.
• Jealousy: One of the primary signs to watch for is jealousy. If your spouse cannot handle the thought of you talking to or being near another person of the opposite gender, it could be an early warning sign to be aware of.

Other behaviors to be concerned about include if your spouse tends to victimize him or herself to make you feel badly for them or if they seem to exhibit significant mood swings.

The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice.