Relationship Red Flags

Relationship Red Flags

Many people report experiencing an unhealthy or abusive relationship at some point in their lives. Oftentimes, it may be easier for someone to identify their past relationship as abusive once the relationship has ended and they have some distance from it. Unhealthy relationships can have a long-lasting impact on someone and domestic violence or intimate partner violence can be especially detrimental to a person’s wellness.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is generally defined as a pattern of coercive or controlling behavior that one partner uses in efforts to try to exert power and control over their partner(s). While victims are more likely to be female, we recognize that men and trans and gender non-binary people may also experience IPV. Some studies indicate that

LGBTQIA+ folx may be at a higher risk of experiencing IPV and they may encounter more barriers in accessing services.

Has your partner ever…

• Called you names, put you down, or humiliated you in front of others?
• Kept you from getting or keeping a job or in school?
• Hit, kicked, punched, bit, slapped, or thrown something in your direction?
• Minimized your concerns or blamed you for them being angry?
• Punched the wall, slammed doors, or destroyed dishes or other items when angry?
• Seemed really quick to anger or made you feel like you are walking on eggshells?
• Refused to respect your chosen name, misgendered you, or not support your transition?
• Forced or talked your into having sex or being intimate when you did not want to?
• Threatened to send nude photos or out you to your work, friends, family, or community?
• Refused to engage in safer sex or compromised your access to birth control?

Surviving intimate partner violence can impact a person long-term. Survivors may develop Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or experience trauma-related symptoms like flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, or trouble trusting themselves or others who care about them.

At JCA Mental Health, we work with people who have survived intimate partner violence and other traumatic events in their lives to process their pain, hurt, and grief as they move forward. We are honored to walk side-by-side with you as we support you on your journey toward healing.

If you would like to connect with one of our clinicians about this or any other concerns you might have, please call 630-276-7922 to request an appointment, or reach out to us here.