English • Español • Haitian Creole • Français Are You Being Abused? Sometimes people are not sure whether they are being abused by their partner. Abuse is a pattern of controlling, hurtful behavior that gets worse over time. People who are abused by their partners often blame themselves for the problem. They may think they are crazy because what they know to be true doesn’t match what the abuser says is true. They may think no one will believe their story. People who are abused may think their situation is hopeless, that there is no way out. If you are being hurt or abused in any way, it is not your fault. You are not crazy; you know the truth. At RESPOND, we will believe you and help you find ways to be safe. You are not alone. Here are some behaviors that could mean that your partner is abusive. You may be abused if your partner: Hits, kicks, shoves, strangles, or hurls you in any physical way Screams at you, puts you down, threatens, ridicules or criticizes you a lot of the time Punches the wall or breaks things in anger Blames you for his/her problems Tells you no one will believe you Falsely accuses you of cheating Shows you a weapon Makes decisions for you Keeps you from seeing your friends or family and is extremely jealous Always checks up on you Tells you what to wear Controls your money Sexually assaults, rapes, or forces you to do things sexually that makes you feel uncomfortable

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