RECOGNIZING THE WARNING SIGNS

Emotional abuse can include:

• Constant criticism, insults, or humiliation
• Controlling who you see, where you go, or what you do
• Extreme jealousy or possessiveness
• Threats, intimidation, or manipulation
• Blaming you for their behavior
• Isolating you from friends or family
• Monitoring your phone, social media, or whereabouts
• Making you feel afraid, confused, worthless, or like you are “walking on eggshells”

Physical abuse can include:

• Hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, or pushing

• Choking or strangulation

• Grabbing, restraining, or preventing you from leaving

• Throwing objects at you or using objects to hurt you

• Using or threatening you with a weapon

• Destroying belongings or damaging property to intimidate you

• Physically harming children, pets, or others as a way to control you

• Any unwanted physical force that causes pain, fear, injury, or makes you feel unsafe

Financial abuse can include:

• Controlling your access to money or bank accounts
• Preventing you from working or interfering with your job
• Taking your paycheck or money without permission
• Giving you an allowance or requiring you to account for every purchase
• Opening accounts or creating debt in your name
• Hiding financial information from you
• Preventing you from accessing transportation, housing, food, or other necessities
• Using money or financial dependence as a way to control you

Digital/Technology Abuse

• Checking your phone, texts, emails, or social media without permission
• Demanding passwords or access to your accounts
• Using location sharing, GPS, or apps to track you
• Repeatedly calling or messaging you to monitor where you are
• Controlling who you can follow, friend, or communicate with online
• Posting or threatening to share private information, photos, or videos
• Impersonating you or accessing accounts without permission
• Using technology to harass, intimidate, threaten, or control you