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Domestic violence is a global pandemic and it's a more common experience in women; research states 1 in 3 women are affected in their lifetime. If you're in a relationship or plan on being in one, look out for the red flags. For married people, it may take years to realise that there's an abusive act in their marriage.
The effects of domestic violence are overwhelming. Not only does it affect your mental state, but it also affects how you view the opposite sex. Here are ways to spot and avoid domestic violence red flags:
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is the most common. The best way of noticing is to figure out how your partner reacts during confrontations. In cases where they are very quick with their hands even with the slightest provocation, then it's likely they will do the same to you. If they are aware of this issue and are willing to go to therapy, then it's a great start to avoiding imminent physical abuse in your relationship.
Psychological and Economical Abuse
It can be manipulation or an unwillingness to offer financial support as a form of punishment. Some cases are extreme and require a counsellor to help sort out the differences. Others just require better communication.
Sexual and Verbal Abuse
Abuse doesn't always have to be physical. It can come in different forms especially if the motive is to shame, threaten, isolate, ignore, hurt, exploit or make the person feel helpless. In this case, when your partner is doing this to you, it is a red flag. Make them aware of how you feel and work out ways to avoid this in the future.
No communication
Communication s an important factor in a relationship. If you notice that your partner is isolating himself/herself from you, you both need to work on your relationship. Isolations, very little communication, discontinuing a conversation, leaving the house during a conversation are all signs of an unhealthy relationship. This can result in mental abuse where every conversation intends to attack or underestimate the partner.
To avoid this, couples need to make time for themselves. Also, before blurting out words, choose a less accusative word. For instance rather than say ''you never understand me,'' replace it with, ''I feel like I am not being understood in this conversation.'' Then, proceed to break it down in the simplest form.