Relationship violence occurs all too frequently and in all types of relationships. It happens to women and men of all ages, religions, races, sexual orientations, and socio-economic classes. The social, emotional, physical, and sexual consequences of relationship violence are severe and can be fatal.

Do You See Yourself or a Friend in the Following Questions?

• Are you afraid of your partner or feel like you have to walk on pins and needles sometimes to keep your partner from getting angry?
• Has your partner ever hit, slapped, or pushed you?
• Do you ever get the feeling you've done something wrong but you'd have to read your partner's mind to find out what it is?
• Is your partner very good to you most of the time -- sometimes downright wonderful, but every once in a while very cruel or scary?
• Have you been forced by your partner to do something you didn't want to do?
• Have you lost all or most of your friends since you've been with your partner?
• Do you feel isolated, like there's nowhere to turn for help, and that no one would believe you anyway?
• If your partner asks, do you feel like you have to say everything's okay even when it's really not?
• Have you ever been in a relationship where you could have answered "yes" to these questions, but right now you're past all that?

Most abusive relationships go through a pattern, or cycle, composed of three stages. Initially, it may be several weeks, months, or years before the cycle moves into the next stage. However, over time most relationships spend less time in the relief stage and cycle through the tension and abuse Stages more frequently and with greater intensity.