- Is your partner excessively jealous and possessive?
- Are they charming one minute and abusive the next? sudden changes of mood - like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde?
- Do they stop you from speaking to your family and friends? Do you feel isolated?
- Do they constantly criticizing you and putting you down in public?
- Does your partner embarrass you, often in front of family and friends, so that you are seen in a bad light?
- Does your partner play mind games and make you unsure of your own judgment?
- Do they tell you you're useless and couldn't cope without them?
- Do they control your money?
- Does your partner tell you what to wear, who to see, where to go, what to think?
- Does your partner pressure you to have sex when you don't want to?
- Are you starting to walk on eggshells to avoid making them angry?
- Does they monitor your movements? Or check up on you via your email, Facebook, Twitter or by looking at your text messages?
- Do they use anger and intimidation to frighten you and make you comply with demands?
- Has your partner ever threatened you, or intimidated you by using violent language or smashing up the furniture?
- Are you forced to alter your behaviour because you are frightened of your partner's reaction?
- Are you blamed for their behaviour e.g. they say you were "asking for it" or deserved the abuse?
- Does your partner threaten to 'out' your sexual orientation or gender identity?
You don't have to deal with this alone. Get Help Now
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you may be experiencing domestic violence.
Abuse is a crime and it is
NEVER YOUR FAULT
Anyone can find themselves in an abusive relationship - here are 8 behaviour traits that are unacceptable in a relationship.
If you or someone you know are experiencing any of these, it's time to GET HELP.
(1) belittles you, or puts you down
(2) blames you for arguments
(3) checks your phone, text messages and social media
(4) isolates you from your family and friends
(5) make unreasonable demands for your attention
(6) accuses you of flirting or having affairs
(7) tells you what to wear, who to see, where to go, and what to think
(8) controls your money, or not give you enough to buy food or other essential things
Call 999 if your life is in danger and you need immediate help.
Unable to speak? You can use the silent solution,
1) Dial 999
2) Listen to the questions
3) Respond by coughing or tapping the headset if you can't easily speak
4) If prompted - press 55 - and you will be put through to the police
For more information visit: https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/news/national-campaign-raise-awareness-silent-solution-system
Coercive control only became a crime in 2015. It's defined as controlling behaviour that has a "serious effect" on a partner, causing them to fear violence at least twice or causing them serious distress.
Coercive control is a kind of domestic abuse, but it doesn't necessarily include physical abuse.
It results in a victim being isolated from their support network and reliant on someone who inflicts acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation.
Here are 9 examples of coercive behaviour:
(1) Restricting your access to money
(2) Stopping you seeing your friends or family
(3) Repeatedly putting you down
(4) Scaring you
(5) Threatening to reveal private things about you
(6) Putting tracking devices on your phone
(7) Making you obey their rules
(8) Controlling you
(9) Forcing you to do things you don't want to do
If you are being controlled contact Safe2Speak for information and advice on 01744 743 200
You can also report this to Merseyside Police on 101. In an emergency call 999
