When a boyfriend or girlfriend uses verbal insults, mean language, nasty put downs, gets physical by hitting or slapping, or forces someone into sexual activity, it's a sign of verbal, emotional, or physical abuse.
Ask yourself, does my boyfriend or girlfriend:
Get angry when I don't drop everything for him or her?
Criticize the way I look or dress, and say I'll never be able to find anyone else who would date me?
Keep me from seeing friends or from talking to other guys or girls?
Want me to quit an activity, even though I love it?
Ever raise a hand when angry, like he or she is about to hit me?
Try to force me to go further sexually?
These aren't the only questions you can ask yourself. If you can think of any way in which your boyfriend or girlfriend is trying to control you, make you feel bad about yourself, isolate you from the rest of your world, or — this is a big one — harm you physically or sexually, then it's time to get out, fast. Let a trusted friend or family member know what's going on and make sure you're safe.
It can be tempting to make excuses or misinterpret violence, possessiveness, or anger as an expression of love. But even if you know that the person hurting you loves you, it is not healthy. No one deserves to be hit, shoved, or forced into anything they don't want to do.
If you or someone you know is being abused, seek help today. In an emergency, please dial 911. For all other help, please call: Illinois Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline 877 TO END DV (877-863-6338), 877-863-6339 TTY or call WINGS 24-hour hotline 847-221-5680