The Lincoln County Sheriff's Department is committed to preventing and stopping Domestic Violence.

If you think your husband or boyfriend is abusive, or you suspect that someone you know is in an abusive relationship, review the red flags of domestic violence and abuse listed in this article. Recognizing the warning signs and symptoms of spousal abuse is the first step to breaking free.

If you’re afraid for your immediate safety, call 911. For help and advice on escaping an abusive relationship, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224.

Signs of an abusive relationship:

Your Inner Thoughts and Feelings:

Do You:

  • Feel afraid of your partner much of the time? 
  • avoid certain topics out of fear of angering your partner? 
  • feel that you can't do anything right for your partner? 
  • believe that you deserve to be hurt or mistreated? 
  • wonder if you're the one who is crazy? 
  • feel emotionally numb or helpless? 

Your Partner's Belittling Behavior:

Does your partner:

  • humiliate, criticize, or yell at you? 
  • treat you so badly that you're embarrassed for your friends or family to see? 
  • ignore or put down your opinions or accomplishments? 
  • blame you for his own abusive behavior? 

Your Partner's Violent Behavior or Threats:

Does your partner:

  • have a bad and unpredicatable temper? 
  • hurt you, or threaten to hurt or kill you? 
  • threaten to take your children away or harm them? 
  • threaten to commit suicide if you leave? 
  • force you to have sex? 
  • destroy your belongings? 

Your Partner's Controlling Behavior:

Does your partner:

  • act excessively jealous and possessive? 
  • control where you go or what your do? 
  • keep you from seeing your friends or family? 
  • limit your access to money, the phone, or the car? 
  • constantly check up on you?