There are many signs of an abusive relationship.

The most telling sign is fear of your partner. If you feel like you have to walk on eggshells, and constantly watch what you say and do in order to avoid a blow-up, then you might be in an abusive relationship. Other signs might include a partner who belittles you and tries to control you, and feelings of self-loathing, helplessness, and desperation. 

Even though we talk about 'different kinds' of abuse, abuse all connected to the same desire to control someone. No matter what someone's intentions are, it is never okay to try and control someone. 

Physical

Physical abuse is any intentional and unwanted contact with you or something close to your body. Sometimes abusive behavior does not cause pain or even leave a bruise, but it’s still unhealthy. Examples include pulling hair, grabbing clothing, hitting, and throwing items at you or near you. 

Emotional

Are you being emotionally manipulated through humiliation, threats, mind games, cruel behaviour, or extreme jealousy and accusations? These are all methods of emotional abuse and should be taken as seriously as any other form.

Sexual

Unwanted or non-consensual touching or intercourse (sexual assault), as well as using guilt or other forms of manipulation to force sexual acts is a serious form of abuse. Common feelings of sexual abuse include feeling pressured, afraid, or uncomfortable before, during, and after sex.

Cultural/Religious

If you are being punished for practicing your chosen faith, or forced/shamed into a belief system, you are experiencing spiritual abuse. 

Psychological

Psychological abuse is present if you’re being threatened or controlled in any way, and is often experienced with (or as a result of) other forms of abuse.

Financial

Are you being withheld from having money, a job, or a say in your own finances? This form of abuse is about power and control. 

You deserve to feel safe, valued, and respected.

• Call our 24-hour crisis line anytime (403) 223-0483 to talk to an advocate.
• Book a workshop to learn more about abuse through a workshop, or presentation.

Safe Haven recognizes that abusive behaviour is connected to oppression and structural violences like ongoing colonialism, sexism, racism, ableism, and heterosexism. There are dominant ideas that teach people that certain people are more deserving of respect than other people. These ideas are built into the way we make laws, the way we teach our children, and the way we help people feel included and protected.  In order to heal from these structural violences, we have to build a community of care where we are all a part of the abuse-prevention conversation.