What are red flags? Red flags are warning signs that something or someone isn’t right. When it comes to domestic violence it is important for everyone to be aware of the red flags, and know how to get out before it is too late. The thing is, is that many men and women become blindsided and never see the warning signs, they never see the red flag waving in front of the abusers face.
How does someone become blindsided? They woo you, they charm you, and say all the things you want to hear, they buy you “just because” gifts. etc.
Are you aware of the red flags? Do you know what the red flags are? While reading, ask yourself if you see any of these warnings. Do you see these red flags in a family member or a friends relationship? The information below is found on http://www.caring-unlimited.org/.
Red Flags to Consider When Beginning a New Relationship
The following is a list of red flags for you to notice and pay attention to when dating someone or beginning a new relationship. Some of them are indicators that the relationship may become abusive. Others are positive indicators that you are becoming involved with an abuser. The more “yes” answers, the more likely it is that you are dating an abuser.
Quick Involvement
6 months or less before living together/engaged
Claims of love at first sight
Says you are the only one who can make him/her feel this way
Pressures you for commitment
Unrealistic Expectations
Compliments you in a way that makes you seem superhuman
Very dependent on you for all needs
Expects you to be perfect
Says things like, I am all you need. You are all I need
Controlling Behavior
Advises you how to dress without your asking for advice
Pretends to be concerned for your safety or your productive use of time
Acts like you do not have the ability to make good decisions
Becomes extremely worried or angry when you are late
Constantly questions who you spend your time with, what you did/wore/said & where you went
Insists that you check in constantly
Monitors your phone/email
Makes you ask permission to do certain things
Jealousy
Wants to be with you constantly
Accuses you of cheating all the time
Follows you around or frequently calls during the day
Odd behaviors like checking your car mileage or asking friends to check in on you
Isolation
Tries to cut off all your resources
Puts down everyone you know: says friends are stupid, promiscuous, or accuses you of cheating with them; says family is too controlling, they don’t really love you, or you are too dependent on them
Refuses to let you use car or talk on the phone
Makes it difficult for you to go to school or work
Blames Others for Problems
If there are problems at school or work, it is always someone else’s fault
You’re at fault for everything that goes wrong in the relationship
Blames Others for Feelings
Makes you responsible for how they feel:
You made me mad.
You’re hurting me by not doing what I ask.
I can’t help being angry.
You make me happy.
You control how I feel.
Hypersensitivity
Easily insulted
Sees everything as a personal attack
Has a tantrum about the injustice of things that happen to him
Totally goes off about small irritations
Looks for fights
Blows things out of proportion
Disrespectful or Cruel to Others
Punishes animals/children cruelly
Insensitive to pain and suffering
High expectations of children beyond their abilities
Teases children or younger sibling(s) until they cry
Doesn’t treat other people with respect
Expects Control During Sex
Little concern over whether you want sex or not, & uses sulking or anger to manipulate you into compliance
Makes sexual or degrading jokes about you
Rigid Sex Roles
Believes women are inferior to men
Unable to be a whole person without a relationship
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
Sudden mood changes–like the person has two different personalities
One minute nice/next minute exploding
One minute happy/next minute sad
Past Battering
You may hear the person was abusive to someone else they were in a relationship with, they may deny it saying it is a lie or their ex is crazy/it wasn’t that bad
Breaking or Striking Objects
Used as punishment
Breaks cherished possessions
May beat on tables with fist
Throws objects at/around/or near you
Any Force during an Argument
Physically restrains you from leaving the room
Pushes or shoves you
For information on how to get help or how to help someone else, click here.