Many victims don't see the things their partners do to them as abusive, and they don't see them as a pattern. Abuse is about control. It is one person scaring another person into doing what he wants her to do. It is not just one hit. It is a pattern.
Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, economic.
It can also be criminal. It is usually a whole series of behaviors used to get and keep control. Here is a list of questions for you to ask yourself. Copyright 2001, Auburn Police Department. All Rights Reserved.