Relationships
In a relationship or marriage there is a need to communicate effectively, and through this communication develops power on one end or the other. Power is not always a bad thing, but it does have the ability to become something that can make or break how that relationship is going to turn out in the long-run.
When a person is displaying a "good" use of power many good things can be accomplished within a relationship. This type of power helps to better each person's emotional state and well being. But, on the other hand, when a person demonstrates a "bad" use of power, a relationship becomes solely about manipulation and deception in order for one's personal gain.
When a person is displaying a "good" use of power many good things can be accomplished within a relationship. This type of power helps to better each person's emotional state and well being. But, on the other hand, when a person demonstrates a "bad" use of power, a relationship becomes solely about manipulation and deception in order for one's personal gain.
Are Your Relationship Ok?
Sometimes you're relationship sails along with no apparent bumps in the road. Yet, your partner may have an entirely different perceptive of how things are going between the two of you. There may be an issue brewing of which you are unaware. You may be blind sided with it. Other times you sense something is amiss but cannot put your finger on the problem. It is important, however, to the success of your union to detect conflict when it is present.
Look for possible stresses in your romantic relationship. Consider the things many couples disagree about such as handling of finances, raising children, in-law and friendship concerns. Address any issue you think may lead to conflict or is presenting an underlying problem in your relationship.
Look for possible stresses in your romantic relationship. Consider the things many couples disagree about such as handling of finances, raising children, in-law and friendship concerns. Address any issue you think may lead to conflict or is presenting an underlying problem in your relationship.
Make it Perfect
Once upon a time couples counselling was reserved for the seriously distressed couple. It was something that couples would slip away to do without telling friends or family. Thankfully times have changed and the role of couples therapy and the many forms that it can take has become a comfortable part of our culture.
While we have not fully shed our cultural ambivalence about therapy in general, there is an increasing acceptance that therapy, counselling coaching, or whatever you choose to call it is a valuable resource that many of us can benefit from. It can change the way your relationship turns out, after all, they could be the one.
While we have not fully shed our cultural ambivalence about therapy in general, there is an increasing acceptance that therapy, counselling coaching, or whatever you choose to call it is a valuable resource that many of us can benefit from. It can change the way your relationship turns out, after all, they could be the one.
What is Relationship Abuse?
When one partner uses tactics to control the other partner, it can be harmful to both parties. This control or power imbalance can take many forms, including intimidation, threats, 'stalking' behaviour, and physical abuse.
This usually results in one partner being frightened of another, leaving them feeling unsafe in the relationship.
Healthy relationships involve respect, trust, and consideration for the other person. Sadly, some relationships can turn bad. In fact, 1 in 11 high school students report being physically hurt by a date.
People in these relationships sometimes mistake the abuse for intense feelings of caring or concern. It can even seem flattering. Think of a friend whose boyfriend or girlfriend is very jealous: Maybe it seems like your friend's partner really cares. But actually, excessive jealousy and controlling behavior are not signs of affection at all.
Love involves respect and trust; it doesn't mean constantly worrying about the possible end of the relationship. If you feel nervous or insecure about your relationship, it's important to talk it through with your boyfriend or girlfriend, not try to control their behavior.
This usually results in one partner being frightened of another, leaving them feeling unsafe in the relationship.
Healthy relationships involve respect, trust, and consideration for the other person. Sadly, some relationships can turn bad. In fact, 1 in 11 high school students report being physically hurt by a date.
People in these relationships sometimes mistake the abuse for intense feelings of caring or concern. It can even seem flattering. Think of a friend whose boyfriend or girlfriend is very jealous: Maybe it seems like your friend's partner really cares. But actually, excessive jealousy and controlling behavior are not signs of affection at all.
Love involves respect and trust; it doesn't mean constantly worrying about the possible end of the relationship. If you feel nervous or insecure about your relationship, it's important to talk it through with your boyfriend or girlfriend, not try to control their behavior.
Like What?
- Physical assault – punching, kicking, slapping, choking or using weapons against the victim. All threats of physical violence should be taken seriously.
- Sexual assault - any non-consenting (not fully agreed to by both partners) sexual act or behaviour; any unwanted or disrespectful sexual touch, rape (with or without threats of other violence), forced compliance in sexual acts, indecent assaults; and forced viewing of pornography.
- Using coercion and threats- telling the person she/he, the children, pets or property will be hurt or damaged.
- Using intimidation - making a person afraid by using looks, actions or gestures.
- Psychological/emotional/verbal abuse - using words and other strategies to insult, threaten, degrade, abuse or denigrate the victim.
- Using children, for example, by making the other parent feel guilty about the children; threatening to take the children away, or to report the partner to Child Protection authorities.
- Using visitation, following separation, to harass the partner, using the children to relay messages.
- Using isolation - controlling what the partner does, who the partner sees and talks to, what she or he reads and where they go.
- Economic abuse - controlling and withholding access to family resources such as money and property.
What to Do?
If you are facing any sorts of abuse or assault then get help immediately, even if it isn't that bad, by the time you get help it could be to late to save your relationship or to stop the abuser to do permanent damage. If you know someone going through any sort of abuse, talk to them and if they need help (doesn't matter if they may want it or not) then get help immediately.
Help can be found by calling:
Help can be found by calling:
- 000 (Police)
- 1800 656 463 (Domestic Violence Line)
- 1800 063 060 (Gay Anti-Violence Project)
- 1800-810-784 (Domestic Violence Advocacy)