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Speak Up! - View Question #21384 |
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Question: What counts as emotional abuse in Az and what can be done?
Answer: Many women assume that if they're not being physically abused by their partner, then they're not being abused. That's not necessarily true. You may be in a relationship which is draining something from you -- you might not have recognized that your partner has eroded your self-esteem and happiness.
An abusive partner will railroad discussions, so that you don't have time to think about what's right and what's wrong in their behavior. Take a moment to consider these questions. Your partner might have behaved as though these things were okay, even though it's obvious that they aren't okay:
- Do you feel that you can't discuss with your partner what is bothering you?
- Does your partner frequently criticize you, humiliate you, or undermine your self-esteem?
- Does your partner ridicule you for expressing yourself?
- Does your partner isolate you from friends, family or groups?
- Does your partner limit your access to work, money or material resources?
- Has your partner ever stolen from you? Or run up debts for you to handle?
- Does your relationship swing back and forth between a lot of emotional distance and being very close?
- Have you ever felt obligated to have sex, just to avoid an argument about it?
- Do you sometimes feel trapped in the relationship?
- Has your partner ever thrown away your belongings, destroyed objects or threatened pets?
- Are you afraid of your partner?
Women can get protective orders from emotionally abusive partners in Arizona. Additionally, counseling often helps the woman get out of the relationship and repair her self esteem. If you are being abused there are resources to help:
Child Protective Services
888-SOS-CHILD or 888-767-2445
Children's Law Center (Arizona) - Volunteer lawyers to help kids with their legal issues are available.
602-258-3434 ext. 266.
National Crisis/Suicide Hotline
800-999-9999
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
Teen Link (Various Topics)
800-235-9678
Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE)
800-816-0491 or 800-865-4314
Youth Crisis Hotline
800-448-4663
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