Spot the signs of abuse

Can you spot the signs of abuse? A relationship rarely starts off as abusive. Often abusers slowly introduce behaviours to control and manipulate their partner or a family member.

Some of the signs of abuse might be:

• Your partner or relative swears and shouts at you. He/she makes fun of you or insults you.
• Your partner or relative criticises you and makes you doubt yourself. You might start believing that you’re unattractive or lucky to have a partner or family at all.
• You feel anxious and stressed in their presence. You worry about how they will react to things and feel like you’re ‘walking on egg shells’.
• You have been physically injured intentionally by your partner or a family member.
• Your partner gets jealous and doesn’t like you doing things on your own or with others.
• Your partner or relative gets angry often and you’re worried about your safety when they do.
• You are told what to wear, where to go, what to do and who you can see.
• You don’t have control over your own money or access to medicines, devices and the care you need.
• Your movements are tracked and private messages read without your consent.

If any of these things ring true, you may be experiencing domestic abuse. We’re here to help. Get support by making a referral.

If you’re worried about your partner’s behaviour you can contact the Police to see if they have a history of being abusive in their previous relationships. Make a request online with Bedfordshire Police under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.

You can also contact the Police if you’re worried about your children having access to someone that has a conviction or is suspected of child abuse. Make a request online with Bedfordshire Police under the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme.