Many victims do not believe they have a choice since they are obligated to their partners owing to economics, children, housing, handicap, fear, or even love. It's also critical to recognize that abusive persons are superb manipulators. They can convince you of anything if you aren't watching them closely. Abuse manifests itself in many forms including physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and controlling behaviors. Abusers seek out ways to control their partners through intimidation and harassment. They may threaten to kill themselves or others if their demands are not met. They may destroy property belonging to the victim or harass her friends and family members if she leaves them. Abuse also includes using your own resources against you, such as by refusing to give you money or cutting off contact with others who might help you leave. Controlling behavior is one of the most damaging aspects of domestic violence because it prevents you from developing healthy relationships with other men and women. An abuser will try to make you feel bad about yourself by calling you names, telling you what to do and how to act, and ignoring you when you try to talk to him on a level playing field. He may forbid you from seeing friends or family members, limit your access to money, or restrict your movement around the house. Controlling behavior is used by abusers to ensure that they get what they want and that you don't go anywhere.