This unfair pattern is visible in most marriages where a spouse dominates their partner and disturbs the marital equation with a series of abusive patterns. There are numerous ways in which abuse while dating or in a marriage can be defined. Before delving deeper into it, let us first find out the types of abusive relationships.
Types Of Abuse In A Relationship
What is an abusive relationship definition? When one person hurts another person, whether physically or mentally, it is known as abuse. It usually happens in a cycle, and continues over a period. What is considered abuse in a relationship? There are different types and can be classified as:
What constitutes abuse in a relationship?
The dynamics of ‘control’ regulate abuse in a relationship. What is an abusive relationship exactly and why do people feel the need to resort to such extreme measures? Abusers are often control freaks who feel that things are fine as far as they are in their control. With huge need for control, such individuals manipulate situations in their favor by balancing positive reinforcement with criticism. At times, they may say ‘I am very lucky to have such a partner…’ or use praise, flattery, and gifts to express their ‘true love’. But the situation may change the very next day where the abuser may put psychological pressure on the victim. As a result, the abused individual may face silent treatment, threats, guilt trips, swearing, bullying, manipulation, etc.This kind of diverse behavior leaves the victim puzzled, clueless and confused. They are unable to analyze situations from a neutral perspective. This abusive pattern of ‘reward and punishment’ exploits the vulnerabilities of the abused and slowly erodes their confidence and self-worth. As a result, he/she may take all the blame on themselves for all the wrongs happening in their relationship. Blame-shifting in a relationship ruins it. Soon, this abuse in a relationship becomes a vicious cycle, where the abuser enjoys ‘one-upmanship’ over all the major affairs in the marriage. Like a master, he/she controls and manipulates the spouse, which is detrimental to any kind of marriage or a relationship. To avoid that vicious cycle of emotional blame and problems, here are a few signs that can help you identify the abuse in a relationship like marriage.
What are the signs of abuse in a relationship?
The signs of an abusive relationship initially can be hard to catch on but if nothing is done about it in this stage, getting out of an abusive relationship can be very difficult. So what are the warning signs of an abusive relationship?
What are the causes of abuse in a relationship?
What is abuse in a relationship then and do abusers always suffer from mental disorders? Usually, it is observed that abusers have strange personality disorders. The concept of ‘give and take’ is missing in their dictionary. Such individuals are selfish and just focus on ‘I, me and myself’ in life. And yet, exposing a narcissist may make you seem like a narcissist yourself. These needy individuals feel that every person, including their spouse, family and friend circle, should function according to their needs and expectations. Failing this basic tenet becomes the root cause of abuse in a couple’s relationship. Here are some basic causes of abuse in a relationship, according to the Bonobology expert panel. So, after knowing the ins and outs of what is abuse in a relationship, it is the right time to take a call on where your relationship is leading. If you feel that the abuser is trying to curb you into a vicious cycle of negativity and problems in a relationship, then help is on hand here at Bonobology. Our panel of expert counsellors is there to help you identify, overcome and recover from abusive relationships. So, open up and make a difference in your life.
