Relationship checklist

Domestic abuse/violence can take many forms. These questions may help.

Domestic Abuse/violence can take many forms. To assess your relationship, read through and answer the following questions. Has, or does, your partner:

• Humiliate you, call you names or make fun of you in a way that is designed to hurt you?

• Threaten to 'out' you to your family or work?

• Prevent you from attending gay/lesbian or other events or venues?

• Have sudden outbursts of anger?

• Act over-protective and become jealous for no reason?

• Make it difficult, or prevent you, from seeing friends or family?

• Control your money against your will?

• Threaten you with violence or hit, kick or throw things at you?

• Physically or emotionally hurt your children?

• Hurt your pets?

• Force you to engage in sexual acts that you aren't comfortable with?

Or do you...

• Change your behaviour or your appearance so your partner doesn't get angry?

• Avoid talking about money or other topics?

• Feel scared, anxious or like you are 'walking on eggshells'?

• Cut yourself off from your friends or family?

If you answered yes to any of these questions you may be experiencing domestic abuse/violence.

Many people who are reading this may feel shocked that their relationship may be represented here, some may have read this because they have had a sense of uneasiness about their relationship and are seeking clarity, and some people know that they are in an abusive/violent relationship.

Regardless of your situation, SSDAG understands that everyone is in their own very unique situation that is made up of many complex competing factors. Things like financial situation, family structures, friends and family, acceptance of sexuality or gender, connectedness to community, work issues or Emotional and physical wellbeing. All these competing issues may impact on your decision to or ability to address the issue. We at SSDAG understand this.

If you feel that you are ready to address the issue we encourage you to access the appropriate support.