Love can be a beautiful thing. The feeling of being loved and wanted is hard to describe in words. But behind closed doors, the risks associated with relationships can be lethal.

No one wants to think their partner is capable of violence, but it’s a reality that we must face. In this article, we will discuss the lethal risks of being in a relationship and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

The Facts About Relationship Violence

The term “intimate partner violence” covers a range of aggressive behaviors that occur between two people who are in a romantic or sexual relationship.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. Furthermore, 1 in 7 women and 1 in 25 men have been injured by their partner.

Physical violence isn’t the only form of abuse that partners can inflict on one another. Emotional abuse is just as common and can be just as deadly.

Emotional abuse can be more difficult to detect since it doesn’t leave visible signs like physical abuse, but it can be just as devastating to the victim.

The Signs of Emotional Abuse

The signs of emotional abuse can be subtle and are often overlooked. However, they can escalate to physical violence if they’re not addressed. Some common signs of emotional abuse include:.

Verbal assault: This includes name-calling, putting the other person down, and belittling them.
Isolation: This is when one partner tries to limit the other partner’s contact with friends and family.
Controlling behavior: This includes controlling the other person’s finances, time, and activities.
Gaslighting: This is making the other person believe that their feelings and memories aren’t real or valid.
Threats: This can be anything from threatening to leave the relationship or threatening to harm the other person.

The Physical Risks of Being in a Relationship

Physical violence in relationships can have devastating consequences. It can result in physical injury, emotional trauma, and even death.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. In one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.

Physical violence can involve hitting, punching, kicking, or using weapons against a partner. The risk of injury increases with the use of weapons. Data suggests that women are more likely to be physically injured by their partners than men.

However, it’s important to note that men are also victims of domestic violence and should be taken seriously if they report abuse.

The Psychological Risks of Being in a Relationship

The psychological risks of being in a relationship can be just as severe as physical risks. Emotional and psychological abuse can lead to long-term harm, such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. In severe cases, it can even lead to suicide.

The effects of psychological abuse can be long-lasting, and it can take a while to heal from them.

Victims of emotional abuse may find it challenging to move on and rebuild their confidence and self-worth, especially if they have been in a long-term relationship that involved psychological abuse.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

If you’re experiencing abuse in your relationship, it’s essential to take steps to protect yourself. Here are a few things you can do:.

Seek help: Talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or therapist.
Contact law enforcement: If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services.
Consider a restraining order: Filing for a restraining order can legally require your partner to stay away from you and refrain from any form of contact.
Develop a safety plan: If you’re planning to leave your partner, it’s essential to have a plan in place. This may include packing important documents and valuables, finding a safe place to stay, and having a support system in place.

Conclusion

While being in a relationship can be a beautiful and joyful experience, it’s important to recognize the dangers that come with it.

Emotional, physical, and psychological abuse can have long-lasting effects on a person’s mental and physical health. It’s important to seek help and take steps to protect yourself if you’re experiencing any form of abuse in your relationship.