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Abusive
behaviors occur along a continuum of violence. One form
of abuse rarely happens in isolation. Abusive behaviors
build upon one another, forming patterns and creating
situations in which the mere threat of abuse can have
devastating, numbing effects on the abused partner.
This learned
fear is often seen in a relationship where there has
been a history of verbal and emotional abuse, along with
some physical abuse. Subsequent verbal threats to use
physical abuse are sufficient to remind the victim of
prior violence and to control the situation.
Abusive
behaviors are planned and repeated, with the intent of
controlling the relationship. There is a distinction
between a one time verbal offense (yelling at one's
partner during an argument), and behaviors that are
repeated. However, it is important to realize that a
"one time offense" that leaves a partner feeling afraid
or fearful of future abuse can be considered abusive.
If you
believe that you are a victim of dating violence or
stalking, you are not alone. Dating violence and
stalking can occur to anyone, regardless of race,
gender, sexual orientation, class or profession. There
is no typical victim.
The
following chart shows the various types of abusive
behaviors what may occur in a
relationship:
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