Abuse isn't always physical, and it isn't always obvious. This heart-wrenching video shows how emotional abuse can be excused and unrecognized...even by the person directly affected.
It may start seemingly "small" — your partner may place undeserved blame on you, or manipulate you into thinking something is your fault.
Jealously and insecurity can hold a prominent place in your relationship...
...And because of that, you might not be "allowed" to spend time with certain friends or do certain things.
You'll find yourself running in circles apologizing, because even if you did nothing wrong, it can feel like you did.
You'll see different sides of your partner: the person you fell in love with, and a person who scares the hell out of you.
You'll blame yourself. You'll make excuses. And sometimes you'll overlook all the bad, because you're hopeful that the small glimmers of good will outweigh it someday.
Emotional abuse in queer relationships can be especially hard to recognize, but this kind of abuse impacts LGBT people too — often in specific ways.
And your partner doesn't have to be physically abusive for it to be abuse.
Leaving an unhealthy relationship isn't easy, and sometimes it takes time to recognize you're in an abusive situation. So, reach out to your friends, talk to your loved ones, and listen if others warn you. Do what you can to protect yourself, because even if you might not feel like it right now, you're worth protecting.
If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis, contact the National Domestic Violence hotline at 1-800-799-7233. To see a list of resources available in your state, check here. To learn more about abuse in LGBTQ relationships, check here.
