Characteristics of a

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP

Partnerships

-    Joint decision making;

-    Shared responsibilities.

Social Equality

-    Freedom to have friends, work,
and participate in activities.

Emotional Honesty

-    Feel safe to admit and share
fears and insecurities.

Sexual Respect

-    Accept that “no” means no.

Physical Safety

-    Respect each other’s physical space;

-    Express self non-violently.

Respect

-    Respect right to differing feelings,

        friends and activities;

-    Support each other’s goals.

Support and Trust

-    Listen and understand;

Value each other’s opinions

Characteristics of an

ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP

Domination

-    One person makes all the decisions;

-    Servant/master mentality.

Social Control

-    Denying time with friends, family and activities; must always be the two of you.

Emotional Manipulation

-    Use of jealousy, passion, stress and frustration to justify actions.

Sexual Abuse

-    Being forced to do things against your will.

Physical Abuse

-    Hit, choke, kick, pinch, pull hair, poke, twist arms, trip, bite, restrain, use of weapons.

Intimidation

-    Nice in public, mean in private;

-    Destroy property or pets;

-    Make light of the abuse: “you’re too sensitive.”

Control

-    Name-calling, mind games;