What is abuse in a relationship?
Abuse in a relationship, also known as domestic violence, is an intentional pattern of behavior used by a current or former intimate partner to establish and maintain power and control over their partner. Types of abuse can include physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, spiritual, cultural, technological, or economic. Over time, the abuser’s behavior often becomes more frequent and more severe.
Other forms of abuse also include trafficking. For more information, please click here.
The above video describes signs of domestic violence in the Deaf Community in ASL.
To help you determine if your partner is abusive, see how many questions you answer “yes” to below.
My Sisters’ Place is here to help. Our expert staff are available 24/7 through our hotline at
1-800-298-7233 (SAFE). You can also reach our staff through our text and chat services.
The Power & Control diagram below can be a particularly helpful tool in understanding the range of behaviors which may be used by an abusive partner to establish and maintain control over their partner. Very often, individuals who seek support at My Sisters’ Place find that this tool helps them realize that what they are experiencing is in fact abuse.
My Sisters’ Place is here to help. Our expert staff are available 24/7 through our hotline at
1-800-298-7233 (SAFE). You can also reach our staff through our text and chat services.