Is your boyfriend abusing you?

Barrie Levy, a Santa Monica therapist and abuse prevention specialist, offers this checklist as a way to tell if your relationship is abusive.

qAre you frightened of your boyfriend’s temper?

qAre you afraid to disagree with him?

qDo you find yourself apologizing to other people for his behavior when you are treated badly?

qHave you been frightened by his violence toward you?

qHave you been hit, kicked, shoved, or had things thrown at you?

qDo you not see friends or family or do things because of his jealousy?

qHave you been forced to have sex?

qHave you been afraid to say no to sex?

qHave you been forced to justify everything you do, every place you go and every person you see to avoid his temper?

qHave you repeatedly been wrongly accused of flirting or having sex with others?

qAre you unable to go out or get a job or go to school without his permission?