When you’re in love, you want to overlook your partner’s negative traits, but these early detections of harmful or aggressive behaviors can be a sign that they will become emotionally or even physically abusive down the road.
These red flags can be difficult for the average person to identify, but paying attention to these traits can keep you from having to hire a divorce attorney or get a restraining order further down the line.
A partner is more likely to become abusive if they have certain personality traits. Some of the personality traits that could signal an abusive personality include frequent mood swings where the person can erupt in a second, and this is often referred to as a “Jekyll and Hyde” personality. They may also be a perfectionist, where they have high expectations for those around them, and they may shame you if you don’t meet this expectation.
Another telltale sign of someone who can become abusive is when they struggle with substance abuse. Those who are addicted to alcohol or drugs can skew towards acting irrationally and violently.
Our family court lawyers stress the importance of taking note of the rude, mean, and hurtful things they say to you. Using their words, many abusers can manipulate their victims into acting against their own self-interest or beat down their victims’ self-esteem so that they don’t leave the relationship.
The verbal abuse you should look out for includes:
- Insults
- Name-calling
- Dismissing or belittling achievements or emotions
- Publicly embarrassing you in front of your friends or family
- Screaming or yelling
While emotional abuse doesn’t leave scars, your partner’s words can affect you for the rest of your life. It’s not uncommon for victims of verbal abuse to experience mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and body dysmorphia, even after they leave the relationship.
Leaving an abusive relationship is difficult because the abuser typically has a strong hold on their victim’s self-esteem, and they often work to isolate their victim from their support system so it’s harder to leave. If you need help leaving an abusive relationship, our attorneys can help you get a temporary or long-term restraining order.
