Domestic violence can happen to anyone. Any race, gender, age, income level, religion, or background. No one is immune. If you’ve ever thought, “This isn’t right, but maybe I’m overreacting,” or “But they’re so nice sometimes,” or “Maybe if I just do what they want, it’ll get better”—I need you to know:
❌ You’re NOT overreacting.
❌ Love is NOT supposed to hurt.
❌ You don’t have to prove your pain to deserve help.
If you’re wondering whether what’s happening to you (or someone you love) is abuse, these are red flags to look for:
🚩 They rush the relationship—everything moves way too fast.
🚩 They shower you with compliments early on and seem “too good to be true.”
🚩 They want you all to themselves—pushing you away from friends and family.
🚩 They pressure you to quit your job, school, or hobbies you enjoy.
🚩 They ignore your boundaries—when you say “no,” they don’t respect it.
🚩 They are obsessively jealous, constantly accusing you of cheating.
🚩 They track your every move—blowing up your phone, demanding check-ins.
🚩 They tear you down—saying you’re ugly, worthless, or that no one else will love you.
🚩 They never take responsibility—it’s always someone else’s fault.
🚩 They have a history of bad relationships—and every ex was “crazy.”
🚩 They control your money—taking it, maxing out credit cards, or not letting you work.
🚩 They explode with rage at you, but can act perfectly normal around others.
If you’re seeing these patterns, please—don’t ignore them.
I know leaving can feel impossible. There’s fear. There’s the “what ifs.” There’s the exhaustion of explaining to people who just don’t get it. But You do not have to do this alone. There are people—right now—who care and want to help.
📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.) – Call 800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788
🌍 International Support – Find help worldwide at hotpeachpages.net
📱 StrongHearts Native Helpline – Call 1-844-762-8483 for Native American communities
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Support – Call 1-800-832-1901 (The Network/La Red)
👩⚖️ Legal Aid for Protective Orders – Visit womenslaw.org
Please call 911 or local emergency services if you’re in immediate danger.
Leaving is a process, and sometimes, the most dangerous time in an abusive relationship is when you try to leave. That’s why having a safety plan matters.
✅ Tell someone you trust. A friend, a coworker, a support group. You don’t have to do this alone.
✅ Keep important documents and emergency money in a safe place. If possible, stash cash, birth certificates, IDs, or a prepaid phone.
✅ Plan an escape route. Know where you can go quickly if things get bad.
✅ Secure a protective order if needed. Many shelters can help with this.
✅ Protect your tech. Change passwords, turn off location tracking, and be mindful of social media.
✅ Build a support network. Shelters, counselors, and advocates are there to help.
If this is hitting home for you, please don’t wait. The first step is reaching out. You are not alone, and you deserve to be safe, to be loved, and to live without fear.
