Abusive Quote by The Guardian
““Domestic violence – the warning signs Advertisement Common abusive behaviours set out in Power and Control: • Jealousy and possessiveness. • Humiliating and insulting you in front of others. • Sabotaging your relationship with friends and family. • Sudden changes of mood – charming one minute and abusive the next. • Monitoring your movements, insisting on time limits when you do things, checking your phone, social networks and spending. • Controlling what you wear and eat (so subtly, you don’t see it happening). • Blaming you for the abuse (“I’m not like this with anyone else!” “You make me like this.”) • Expecting you to have sex when you don’t want to, including when you’re ill or asleep. • Damaging your treasured possessions. • Harming or threatening to harm family pets. • Driving recklessly to frighten you. • Threatening to kidnap or get custody of the children if you leave. • Telling you you’re useless and could never cope without him. • Dominating how you feel – whether that’s happy, afraid or frightened. Having the power to make you constantly change your behaviour to avoid his “displeasure”.””
About This Quote
Source Article: Domestic Violence Warning Signs, The Guardian, 2023
The quote lists tactics abusers use to control and intimidate partners, highlighting patterns of jealousy, humiliation, isolation, mood swings, surveillance, and threats to enforce compliance.
In simple terms: Abusers use many tactics to dominate and fear partners.
Recognize and confront controlling behaviors early.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- dating relationships
- family counseling
- legal intervention
- support hotlines
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you support someone showing these signs?
- What resources are available for safe exit strategies?
Victims may fear speaking out due to shame or financial dependence.