If it hurts or scares you, it's not healthy. Relationships should make both partners feel good about themselves and about each other.
Domestic violence occurs when a relationship is based on power and control.
The abuse can be physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual. Often, one or more violent incidents are accompanied by an array of other types of abuse. They may not be as obvious, but help to firmly establish a pattern of intimidation and control in the relationship. These kinds of abuse occurs in every race, class and educational background, from doctors to truck drivers. It is extremely prevalent with 3 to 4 million women being battered each year in the United States.