Teen Dating Violence Jealousy and possessiveness are not a sign of love, they are tools used by a partner to take control Drugs and alcohol are not the cause of abuse in relationships. However, drugs and alcohol can increase the danger and level of injury in an abusive relationship. The abusive partner may try to make the victim responsible for the abuse.
People stay in abusive relationships for many reasons.
However, staying does not mean that the abuse is no big deal. There is no such thing as justifiable abuse. People who abuse others are not the scary bums or crazy people we sometimes imagine that they are. They are everyday people without any real outward signs that might tip us off to their behaviors. They are rich or poor, educated or drop outs, professional or unemployed and are people of all races.