Jealousy Is Not Affection

"Approaching the close of the United Nations 16 Days of Activism to end violence against women it is important to revisit signs signalling the onset and maintenance of intimate partner violence. Sadly, one in three women experience intimate partner violence over the course of their lifetime. The problem seems engrained globally with a mere 0.2% reduction in its prevalence over the past two decades."

"Psychological entrapment involves seeing a situation as uncontrollable, unremitting, and inescapable. Perpetrators of intimate partner violence psychologically entrap victims to escalate other forms of abuse. Psychological abuse was found to emerge prior to physical violence and eventual sexual abuse. Signs of psychological abuse comprised isolation, verbal threats, and restricted access to such things as phones and transport. Physical abuse involved hitting, pushing, and the use of weapons."

One in three women experience intimate partner violence during their lifetime, with global prevalence barely reduced over twenty years. Interpersonal partner violence causes emotional and physical harm and acts as a liberty crime that restricts victims' autonomy. Perpetrators use tactics to limit personal autonomy and resources, overpowering natural fight-or-flight responses and creating psychological and physical entrapment. Australian researchers mapped the progression and found psychological abuse commonly emerges before physical and sexual abuse. Early signs of psychological abuse include isolation, verbal threats, and restricted access to phones and transport. Physical abuse can involve hitting, pushing, and weapons.

Read at Psychology Today