WARNING SIGNS

Many of the signs women are taught to Interpret as caring, attentive, and romantic are actually early warning signs for future abuse. Some examples Include:

INTRUSION: Constantly asks you where you are going, who you are with, etc.

ISOLATION:  Insists that you spend all or most of your time together, cutting you off from friends and family.

POSSESSION AND JEALOUSY:  Accuses you of flirting/having sexual relationships with others; monitors your clothing/make-up.

NEED FOR CONTROL:  Displays extreme anger when things do not go his way; attempts to make all of your decisions.

UNKNOWN PASTS / NO RESPECT FOR WOMEN:  Secretive about past relationships; refers to women with negative remarks, etc.

MORE WARNING SIGNS
 

1.	Was or is abused by a parent.
2.	Grew up in a home where an adult was abused by another adult.
3.	Gets very serious with boyfriends/girlfriends very quickly – saying “I love you” very early in the relationship, wanting to move in together or get engaged after only a few months, or pressuring partner for a serious commitment.
4.	Comes on very strong, is extremely charming and an overly smooth talker.
5.	Is extremely jealous.
6.	Isolates partner from support systems – wants partner all to themselves, and tries to keep partner from friends, family or outside activities.
7.	Attempts to control what partner wears, what she/he does or who she/he sees.
8.	Is abusive toward other people, especially mother or sisters if he is a male.
9.	Blames others for one’s own misbehavior or failures.
10.	Has unrealistic expectations, like expecting partner to meet all of ones needs and be the perfect partner.
11.	Is overly sensitive – acts ‘hurt’ when not getting one’s way, takes offense when others disagree with an opinion, gets very upset at small inconveniences that are just a normal part of life.
12.	Has ever been cruel to animals.
13.	Has ever abused children.
14.	Has ever hit a boyfriend or girlfriend in the past.
15.	Has ever threatened violence, even if it wasn’t a serious threat.
16.	Calls partner names, puts him/her down or curses at him/her.
17.	Is extremely moody, and switches quickly from being very nice to exploding in anger.
18.	If a male, believes women are inferior to men and should obey them.
19.	Is intimidating, for example using threatening body language, punching walls or breaking objects.
20.	Holds partner against his/her will to keep him/her from walking away or leaving the room.