A nonviolent partner builds interdependence, not dependence. The batterer tries to cut you off from all other people, resources and activities, especially those which are most important to you. A batterer may insult family members, use racial taunts or personal insults to isolate you from other people. Eventually they'll try to convince you that no one else would ever put up with you. Batterers may impose severe social isolation, removing you from your support system by refusing to allow you to have a telephone or to make phone calls, refusing to allow you to work or keeping money you earn to prevent you from contacting anyone or escaping.
Isolation is very common and very dangerous.
If you feel this happening to you, or are afraid to leave, ask someone you trust for help immediately. The batterer may also make you feel responsible for their feelings in order to manipulate you. A nonviolent partner takes responsibility for her or his own feelings and actions. The batterer can be easily insulted, taking the slightest setbacks as personal attacks. Losing a parking space or getting a bad grade on a test may provoke an angry outburst about how unfair life always is to the batterer.