Domestic abuse

Spot the signs of abuse

Quick exit

Abuse in a relationship can happen to anyone and it's never acceptable. It can destroy your self-confidence, have a negative impact on your health and wellbeing and leave you feeling isolated and lonely.

Here are some signs that you may be in an abusive relationship.

They may:

  • be jealous and possessive
  • cut you off from family and friends and try to isolate you
  • control you - for example, your money, who you should see, what you should wear
  • monitor your movements or online activity
  • blame you for the abuse
  • humiliate or insult you in front of others
  • verbally abuse you
  • constantly criticise you
  • use anger and intimidation to frighten you and make you comply with their demands
  • tell you that you're useless and couldn't cope without them

Hide your online activity

If you are worried about someone monitoring your online activity please visit the Women’s Aid website for support and advice on how to cover your tracks online. This information may not completely hide your tracks and many browser types have features that display recently visited sites.

The safest way to find information on the internet, would be at a local library, a friend's house, or at work.