by Ken Bradford

Created on: February 20, 2009   Last Updated: February 22, 2009

Many relationships, whether marriage or live-in relationships, often begin with both partners deeply in love with one another and the little things one does seem to go unnoticed. It is these "little things" that could possibly be telltale signs of bad things to come.

Oftentimes, we recognize that our partner is somewhat withdrawn and shy and doesn't really like it when the other partner wants to socialize with other people. There are often temper outbreaks over very simple things. Most people just seem to be too busy to give much notice to these "simple things" and go about in their efforts to build a relationship.

According to the U. S. Department of Justice, 95% of all domestic violence is directed toward women.

Abusive relationships certainly don't begin that way, otherwise the relationship wouldn't probably begin in the first place. The majority of abuse in relationships in this country involve men committing abusive acts toward women, therefore we will address domestic violence or abuse as it pertains to women.

Every year over 4 million women in these United States feel they have made a good choice in selecting a partner, but every year they are all proved wrong.

How do we define "abuse" in a relationship? According to "Life's New Beginnings", a non-profit organization dedicated to public awareness of domestic violence, there are basically four different types of abusive behavior exhibited by men toward women:

(1) Physical Assault Includes, shoving, pushing, restraining, hitting or kicking. Physical assaults may occur frequently or infrequently, but in many cases they tend to escalate in severity and frequency over time.

(2) Sexual Assault Any time one partner forces sexual acts that are unwanted or declined by the other partner.

(3) Psychological Assault Includes isolation from family and friends, forced financial dependence, verbal and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation and control over where the partner can go and what she can do.

(4) Attacks Against Property and Pets Destruction of property that may include household objects or treasured items belonging to the victim, hitting the walls, or abusing or killing beloved pets.

If you are currently in a relationship where things don't seem quite right, here are some warning signs that might possibly be the beginning of abusive behavior by your partner.

Does he control all the money? Does he make you ask him for money and only give you enough for things like groceries?

Does he get upset when you go visit a friend

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