Make sure to ask yourself the following questions to assess your own situation:

  • Does the abuser change just before becoming violent (e.g. does his/her voice deepen or face change colour)?
  • Does your behaviour change before violence (for example, you experience headaches)?
  • What circumstances usually exist before you are abused (for instance, pay day, sporting event, alcohol etc.)?
  • Has the abuser threatened to kill you, your loved ones, or him/herself?
  • Is your separation pending? Or, are you serving court orders?
  • Are you in a new relationship?
  • Are you pregnant?
  • Does the abuser have access to weapons?