Is Your Relationship Affecting Your Health?
Complicated or Abusive Relationships Can Damage Your Health
Domestic violence doesn’t just hurt in the moment — it can leave lasting scars on your physical and mental health. The effects can touch every part of your life, sometimes for years after the abuse ends.
Physical Health Effects
Domestic violence often causes injuries like bruises, cuts, broken bones, or head, neck and facial trauma. But the damage isn’t always visible. Survivors may also deal with:
- Ongoing pain in the back, stomach, or joints
- Trouble sleeping or constant fatigue
- Problems related to sexual or reproductive health, including STIs or pregnancy complications
- Problems with vision or other eye issues
- Digestive issues like stomach ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome
Mental and Emotional Health Effects
The emotional toll of abuse can be just as serious as physical injuries. Many survivors experience:
- Depression, anxiety, or panic attacks
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including flashbacks and nightmares, and other symptoms of trauma that can negatively impact your life
- Feelings of fear, shame, or hopelessness
- Increased risk of using alcohol or drugs
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Long-Term Health Effects
Even after the abuse ends, the effects can linger. Long-term stress can increase the risk of:
- Unexplained health issues
- Heart disease and high blood pressure
- Weakened immune system
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Ongoing mental health challenges
- Reproductive health issues
Recognizing the health impacts of domestic violence is an important step toward healing. You deserve compassionate care and support from family, communities, and healthcare providers.
Healthy Relationships Support Your Health
Healthy Relationships Help You:
- Feel calm and supported
- Sleep better and manage stress
- Heal from trauma
- Be your full self without fear
Characteristics of Healthy Relationships Include:
- Mutual respect and trust
- Clear, honest communication
- Support for each other’s goals
- Equal decision-making
- Comfort setting and honoring boundaries
Does Something Feel “Off” in My Relationship?
Disagreements in relationships are normal but when they become frequent and begin to form a pattern, it might be a sign that something is wrong and could be abusive—a word that is hard for many people to think about or even say out loud. But if something doesn’t feel right in your relationship, it probably isn’t.
Ask Yourself:
- Does may partner say things like “I didn’t mean it” or make excusive to justify things they did that hurt me?
- Has my behavior changed because of how my partner treats me, my children, or others that are important to me?
- Do I feel safe in this relationship?
- Can I say no or safely express my feelings?
- Do I feel respected, or controlled?
You can take this quiz to help you learn more about coercion, control, or abuse in a relationship. Everyone deserves a relationship where they feel safe, heard, and valued.
Recognizing Unhealthy Behaviors in Relationships—Red Flags for Abuse
Abuse isn’t always physical. It can be emotional, verbal, financial, or digital. Abuse often starts small and gets worse over time.
If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and know that you’re not alone.
Watch for these Red Flags:
Emotional & Verbal Concerns
- Constant criticism, insults, or humiliation
- Blaming you for everything
- Making you feel guilty or afraid to speak up
Controlling Behavior
- Isolating you from friends and family
- Monitoring your phone or social media
- Controlling money, appearance, or daily decisions
Threats & Intimidation
- Yelling, breaking things, or using fear to control you
- Threatening harm to you, loved ones, pets, or themselves
Physical and/or Sexual Harm
- Hitting, shoving, or restraining
- Forcing or pressuring you into sex
- Blocking you from medical care
Digital Abuse
- Harassing texts or calls
- Demanding passwords or access to devices
- Threatening to share private content
What You Can Do
- Write down or record how you’re feeling or what’s happening.
- Rest when you can; your body and brain need time to heal and recover.
- Talk to someone you trust.
- Ask for a trauma-informed doctor, mental health provider, or advocate, and share some of your concerns with your provider.
- Contact a domestic violence program. They are often available 24/7. Many programs have text or webchat options.
You don’t need proof to get help. Your experience matters.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you are not alone. Help is available.
Free, confidential services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
- To connect directly with a domestic violence advocate and find information for your local domestic violence program in the United States, please contact thehotline.org 800-799-SAFE (7233) text “START” TO 88788
Ohio Domestic Violence Network
- Find a local domestic violence program in Ohio
Love is Respect
- Information for teens/young adults: Website | Text “LOVEIS” to 22522
Stay Safe Online
- Use a private device if possible.
- Use incognito/private browsing mode.
- Clear your history after visiting DV sites.
- View more resources related to online safety.
You Matter. Healing Is Possible.
Even if you’re still in a difficult, confusing, or abusive relationship, unsure what to do next, or trying to recover from the past, you deserve care, respect, and support.
Get in touch. Get involved.
174 E Long Street #200 Columbus, OH 43215
1.800.934.9840
614.781.9651