A large number of women experience physical assaults and rape each year by their husbands. One incident of physical abuse can lead to repetitive violence which is dangerous for any woman. In fact, women in a marriage are not the only ones who suffer from domestic abuse, because women with boyfriends are also victims and they are oblivious to the abuse being inflicted on them. Thus, if you have a daughter who is in a relationship, these signs can help you determine if she is being abused by her boyfriend or not. It is better safe than sorry and these signs can help prevent abuse from becoming severe.

The Insignificant

Your daughter can be treated insignificantly and belittled by her boyfriend. He may not really care about her feelings and opinions and only have concern for his own well being. Though he may ask her questions and show that he is very interested in her, he may tend to forget what was discussed. There may even be occasions where he may seem to be competing with your daughter.

Attention Seeker

When the boyfriend seems to be the only person in her life worth living for and he constantly demands most of her time, then maybe you must look into the relationship. Men who consistently demand and controls the time of his partner even though the relationship is just new are prone to have abusive behaviors that can spiral out of control.

Attacks Self Esteem

If your daughter’s boyfriend constantly puts her down and embarrasses her in public then she must analyze if their relationship is worth it. His constant criticism and his neglect to give significance to her opinions and feelings is already abuse. Do not let your daughter lose her self worth and esteem because of his behavior.

Isolation And Control

The problem many women have with their boyfriends is when they begin to demand most of their time and attention. However, when your daughter’s boyfriend prohibits her from hanging out with friends and talking to them, then this is a sign of abuse. It may even reach the point where he may prevent her from seeing or speaking with you and other family members. When she does go out, he will always ask where she has been and who she has been with, doubting her answers.

Verbally And Physically Threatening

If your daughter begins to fear getting into an argument with her boyfriend because of his sudden outburst of indirect anger, this is a clear sign of abuse that can become severe. He may punch a wall, talk about the problem he has had with others and may even abuse another person verbally. Such acts will gradually lead to direct acts of abuse.  

The Apologizer

Abusive boyfriends have a habit of abusing their partner then apologizing after, but ends up hurting her all over again. Your daughter may be wooed by a very remorseful boyfriend with flowers, but will only leave her in tears after a short period of time all over again.

Lack Of Friends

He will not have long term friends or interest in the welfare or affairs of others. His only concern is himself and what he is interested in. As such, he will demand that your daughter spend most, if not all of her time with him. There may be instances where members of your family will have noticed something wrong about him from the very beginning that you may have overlooked. Those instances will be the reason why those family members do not like him at all and refuse to have him around.

Once you determine that your daughter is being abused by her boyfriend, you must discuss this with her and assure her that you are on her side. Let her know that you want to help her and protect her, before her boyfriend abuses her physically and dominates her completely.

Author Byline: Valerie Clearwater is a freelance writer specializing in criminal law. She regularly contributes articles to legal websites where a well experienced criminal lawyer Massachusetts can be consulted.

Related articles

• How to Tell If You Are in An Abusive Relationship (dangerouslee.biz)
• Did You Know That Men Get Abused Too? (praiserichmond.com)
• Spotting the Signs of Emotional Abuse (everydayhealth.com)
• Dealing with Domestic Violence (blogs.lawyers.com)