I chose chapter 5: How Abuse begins because it is crucial for people to know how abuse begins so that they can avoid abuse in their own relationships.
*He speaks disrespectfully about his former partners.
*He is disrespectful to you.
*He does favors for you that you don't want or puts on such a show of generosity that it makes you feel uncomfortable.
*He is controlling.
*He is possessive.
*Nothing is ever his fault
*He is self-centered.
*He abuses drugs or alcohol.
*He pressures you for sex.
*He gets serious too quickly about the relationship.
*He intimidates you when he is angry.
*He has double standards
*He has negative attitudes toward women.
*He treats you differently around other people.
*He appears to be attracted to vulnerability.
I chose the above video clip because of how true it rings. If we do not teach our children that abuse is not OK, if a mother does not leave a husband then it is unlikely that her children will understand how bad abuse is and so the cycle continues.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/domestic-violence/WO00044 : The Mayo Clinic's page talks about recognizing patterns and seeking help in a relationship that may be already or may become abusive. It also has advice specific to lesbians, pregnant women, and women with children.
http://psychcentral.com/library/domestic_quiz.htm : Psych Central has an extensive lists of questions that may be warning signs for abuse. If you answer yes to any one of the questions on this list it may be beneficial for you to talk with your partner, seek professional help or leave the relationship you are in.
I find it sad that a woman can think she is in a great relationship because her partner is all love and kindness. Oftentimes it is not until she has committed to a relationship that her partner begins to show his true side. For this reason, I chose the picture below. Please remember though that it is never too late to remove yourself from an abusive relationship.
