Are You in an Abusive Relationship?

Did you know that every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten? How about that domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined? Some studies show that 2 out of 5 victims of domestic violence are men. Do you think you or someone you know might be in an abusive relationship? Here are some of the signs:

If he or she:

Is jealous or possessive toward you.
(Jealousy is the primary symptom of abusive relationships)
Tries to control you by being very bossy or demanding.
Tries to isolate you by demanding you cut off social contacts and friendships.
Is violent and / or loses his or her temper quickly.
Pressures you sexually, demands sexual activities you are not comfortable with.
Abuses drugs or alcohol.
Claims you are responsible for his or her emotional state.
Blames you when he or she mistreats you.
Has a history of bad relationships.
Your family and friends have warned you about the person or told you that they are concerned for your safety or emotional well being.
You frequently worry about how he or she will react to things you say or do.
Makes "jokes" that shame, humiliate, demean or embarrass you, weather privately or around family and friends.
Your partner grew up witnessing an abusive parental relationship, and/or was abused as a child.
Your partner "rages" when they feel hurt, shame, fear or loss of control.
You leave and then return to your partner repeatedly, against the advice of your friends, family and loved ones.
You have trouble ending the relationship, even though you know inside it's the right thing to do.

Does the person you love:

constantly keep track of your time?
act jealous and possessive?
accuse you of being unfaithful or flirting?
discourage your relationships with friends and family?
prevent or discourage you from working, interacting with friends or attending school?
constantly criticize or belittle you?
control all finances and force you to account for what you spend? (Reasonable cooperative budgeting excepted.)
humiliate you in front of others? (Including "jokes" at your expense.)
destroy or take your personal property or sentimental items?
have affairs?
threaten to hurt you, your children or pets? Threaten to use a weapon?
push, hit, slap, punch, kick, or bite you or your children?
force you to have sex against your will, or demand sexual acts you are uncomfortable with?

If you found these things to be true, you or someone you know might be in an abusive relationship. Thankfully, you (or they) have options. There are Domestic Violence Prevention Centers in our area and they can help. Call them right now- You don't have to stay in that relationship. You have options.

Texarkana Office

424 Spruce Street | Texarkana, Texas
(903) 794-4000

Cass County Office

703 W. Main Street | Suite H | Atlanta, Texas
(903) 794-4000

Little River County Office

61 E. Main Street | Ashdown, Arkansas
(870) 898-6070

Hempstead County Office

718 S. Main Street | Hope, Arkansas 75501
(870) 777-0994

For more information, you can also visit their website:

Domestic Violence Prevention Center

or their Facebook page:

Domestic Violence Prevention Center-Facebook

If you are in a loving relationship but you would like to volunteer to help those in need, there is a volunteer training session scheduled for this month. Here is the information:

Volunteers/Facebook

Domestic Violence is real. Please share my blog today on your Facebook page, you never know who it might save.

Thank you and Much Love,

Kendra