Abuse isn’t always physical, it can take many forms, and it can happen anywhere. If something doesn’t feel right, you can explore here, at your own pace. Support is available across Powys and Wales.
Spotting the signs
Types of abuse
Am I being abused?
It can be hard to recognise if your experiences, or those of someone you care about, qualify as abuse. Below are a few questions to help you begin to spot the signs of abuse:
- Are you ever nervous about someone’s reactions?
- Are you seeing less of you friends or family because of someone else?
- Do you ever feel watched or monitored?
- Do you feel like you your money or decisions are being controlled?
- Do you feel like you are “walking on eggshells” to avoid making someone angry?
- Are you constantly being put down?
- Are you told what to do, wear or where to go and who to see?
- Do you feel afraid that your family member might physically hurt you?
- Has your family member ever threatened to hurt you, your children, or someone you care about?
- Have you been injured, even slightly, during arguments or conflicts?
- Does a family member block doorways, stop you from leaving, or trap you in a room?
- Has your family member damaged your belongings in anger (e.g., smashing phones, breaking furniture)?
- Do you feel like you have to change your behaviour to avoid being physically harmed?
- Has your partner ever blamed you for the violence or said it was your fault?
- Has someone ever physically hurt you in a sexual way?
- Has someone forced you into sexual activity, or tried to force you into it?
- Is the person behaving this way someone closely related to you (for example, a family member where this kind of relationship is not appropriate)?
- Does this person send you sexual or explicit messages, images, or videos, or try to have sexual conversations with you?
- Have you ever been pressured or forced to pose for sexual photos?
- Have you been made or pressured to take part in sexual videos?
You do not need to experience all of these for something to be wrong, and it’s okay if you’re not sure, but if you answered yes to any of the above, you may be experiencing abuse.
Many people do not recognise abuse straight away.
You may care about the person, hope things will change or feel unsure about what is happening. These feelings are common.
You are not overreacting, and you do not have to figure everything out on your own.
If any of these feel familiar to you, more information is available on the Spot the signs page.
Support is available
You can talk to someone in confidence, whether you want advice, reassurance or help making a plan.
You will be listened to. You won’t be forced into action.