It is sometimes difficult to recognise that you are being abused. Relationships develop and change over time, and personal boundaries can be crossed without the victim realising it. At the beginning of the relationship, abuse is generally not present, but increases in frequency and severity over time. None of us would go on a second date with someone who abuses us on the first one!

Some warning signs are

• The relationship gets serious very quickly
• He makes you feel guilty for going out with friends/family
• He puts your friends/ family down
• He mocks or criticises you
• He wants things his own way
• You feel afraid of him or his reactions
• He is possessive and jealous
• He shifts the blame for his behaviour to you
• He can flip between being charming and nasty
• He wants you to act or dress in ways that you would not normally
• He can manipulate your emotions by sulking to get what he wants
• He does not show respect for you

For more warning signs click here

Click here for a quiz to see whether it is happening to you