Domestic violence often starts with threats, name-calling, and slamming doors. It can build up to pushing, slapping, and other violent acts. If you are concerned about your relationship ask yourself the following questions.
Does your partner:
-Embarrass you with put downs?
-Look at you or act in ways that scare you?
-Control what you do, who you see or talk to, or where you go?
-Stop you from seeing your friends or family members?
-Take your money or paycheck, make you ask for money, or refuse to give you money?
-Make all of the decisions?
-Tell you that you're a bad parent or threaten to take away or hurt your children?
-Threaten to commit suicide?
-Prevent you from working or going to school?
-Act like the abuse is no big deal or is your fault, or even deny doing it?
-Destroy your property or threaten to kill your pets?
-Intimidate with guns, knives, or other weapons?
-Shove you, slap you, choke you, or hit you?
-Threaten to kill you?
If any of these things or other types of abuse are happening, you need to seek help. It's important to know that you are not alone. The way your partner acts is not your fault. Help is available. If you live in the Cleveland area and are in need of immediate assistance please call the Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center at 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 216-391-HELP (4357) or the Family HelpLine at 216-229-8800.