Your partner does not have to beat you in order to be abusive. One sign that your significant other may be abusing you, is if they attempt to gaslight you on a regular basis. Gaslighting is “a psychological manipulation of a person usually over an extended period of time that causes a victim to question their thoughts.”

Examples of what someone might say if he is trying to gaslight you include:

“It’s all in your head.”
“You’re too sensitive.”
“It’s your fault I did this.”

Statements such as these can make the victim doubt herself, which gives the abuser more control. Many perpetrators will continue their attempts to manipulate by blaming their significant others, lying to them, denying past remarks or events, apologizing and then continuing their abuse, or trying to divert the victim from the current situation.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are a victim of gaslighting, recognize that you deserve to be with someone who respects and does not try to control you. Manipulation in a relationship is not normal and may be indicative of possible further abuse to come. If you think you may be in an abusive relationship, don’t hesitate to reach out by calling us via our 24/7 hotline: 269-673-8700.

Written by Emery Beckman