Sexual Misconduct Reporting & Referral Forms
Abusive Relationships
It’s not always easy to tell at the beginning of a relationship if it will become abusive.
In fact, many abusive partners may seem absolutely perfect in the early stages of a relationship. Possessive and controlling behaviors don’t always appear overnight, but rather emerge and intensify as the relationship grows. Abuse does not look the same in every relationship because every relationship is different. One thing that most abusive relationships have in common is the power and control that the abusive partner exerts over their partner.
Abuse is still abuse regardless of how minor the incident may seem, if it has only occurred once or twice, or if the abuse stops if you become passive. Abuse is not always physical violence. Emotional and verbal assaults are still abuse.
If you are wondering if your relationship may be abusive, take a look at the questions below. If you answered ‘yes’ to even one of these questions, you may be in an unhealthy or abusive relationship. To discuss your relationship with a confidential resource, you are welcome to contact The Counseling Center: uwosh.edu/counseling
