Do you suspect you are a victim of relationship violence? The following are warning signs that violence may be present in your relationship:

Does your partner…

• Blame you for all the problems in your relationship?
• View you as unequal or “not as good as” them because they see themselves as smarter or superior?
• Constantly check up on you to know what you are doing or who you are with?
• Express extreme jealously towards you?
• Criticize you about what you wear, do, or think?
• Like to scare you by driving fast or doing reckless things?
• Pressure you into doing things you don’t want to do or don’t approve of?
• Make you ask for permission to do things you would ordinarily do?
• Pressure you to use alcohol or drugs with them if you do not want to?
• Forbid you from participating in activities that do not include them?
• Appear to be depressed or withdrawn but won’t talk about their feelings?
• Control who you can spend time with?
• Become very angry about minor problems or have an explosive temper?
• Become angry or violent when using alcohol or drugs?
• Force you to participate in sexual activity when you don’t want to or do not give your consent?
• Make threats about hitting you or your family members, friends or pets?
• Humiliate or belittle you in front of other people?
• Make threats about killing themselves if you leave?
• Throw objects at you or deliberately break things?
• Ever hit you, no matter how sorry they are afterwards?
• Have a past history of violence in their relationships?

If any of this sounds familiar, chances are that violence is present. Although taking the first step can be difficult, by doing nothing the violence is likely to continue.

Help is available throughout the province from community-based organizations as well as Provincial Government services. Find out Where to Get Help in your region.