• Steps:
  
• Review the following Ten Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship
  
• History of legal or discipline problems or has trouble keeping a job.
  
• Blames you for his / her anger.
  
• There is a difference between a person having an occasional bad day, and a person consistently blaming someone else for their problems.
  
• Serious drug or alcohol use or other addiction.
  
• Is the person addicted to drugs, alcohol, video games, or shopping? Do they self-medicate to try to get away from their problems? Do they try to avoid problems instead of dealing with them? If so, this person could be trouble.
  
• History of violent behavior.
  
• Threatens others regularly.
  
• Insults you or calls you names.
  
• Trouble controlling feelings like anger.
  
• Tells you what to wear, what to do or how to act. Or tries frequently to keep you away from friends or family. Isolation is a form of brain-washing and manipulation. They are trying to keep you away from people who could help you.
  
• Threatens or intimidates you in order to get their way.
  
• Do any of the above sound like your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse? If so, then:
  
• Talk to someone that you can trust.
  
• Plan in advance to have a safe place to go. Your safe place should be 20-30 minutes drive time away. The further away it is, the less likely the person is to follow you and confront you.
  
• Keep money and your cell phone or calling card with you at all times.
  
• Establish a code word or sign so family, friends and co-workers know when to call for help. You could say "I'm meeting with Mr. Reddy." Mr. Reddy stands for "red alert" or "something is really wrong."

• Tips:
• DO NOT let a boy or a girl be in control of your actions.
  
• Think about the pros and cons about your relationship, make a list
  and see if an abusive stressful relationship is worth it.
  
• Do not think you'll not be able to find someone else to make you happy.
  
• There are plenty of people that will appreciate you and care about you without being controlling and making you feel less worthy.

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