If someone has lived with abuse for many years or if the abuse is being done by someone they trust, it can be difficult to recognize the behaviors as abuse. Growing up in a family where violence or abuse happens regularly, it may seem as if abusive behaviors are “normal”. Someone might mistakenly think that it's their fault for not doing what their parents tell them, breaking rules, or not living up to someone's expectations.
Somebody who has only known an abusive relationship might think that hitting, beating, pushing, shoving, or angry name-calling are normal ways to treat someone when you're mad.
Seeing family members treat each other in abusive ways might lead someone to think that's OK in relationships. But abuse is not a typical or healthy way to treat people. If you're not sure you are being abused, or if you suspect a friend is, it's always OK to talk with a trusted friend or adult.
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