Let’s talk about something a little uncomfortable: how to spot abuse. It’s something that is, thank goodness, shifting into a more frank part of our general dialogue. One thing that’s becoming less of an open secret and more of a commonly discussed fact is that most of the more heinous relationship abuse is generally suffered by women at the hands of men. But people are people, and no group has a monopoly on mistreatment.
Tumblr user exposing-the-bullsh^t kicked off a pretty long and insightful discussion on how young girls should be taught to recognize their own controlling and abusive behavior, even if they’re not likely to be told to stop.
1. The warning signs
It’s a pretty big list.
Source: exposing-the-bullshit on Tumblr
2. Role reversal
It’s fairly easy to see when spelled out like this.
Source: exposing-the-bullshit on Tumblr
3. Consensus
Soon others started adding stories from their own experiences.
Source: dynastylnoire on Tumblr
4. Speak out
The truth isn’t always popular.
Source: fvlani on Tumblr
5. All ages
Again, no group has a monopoly.
Source: onlyblackgirl on Tumblr
6. Second edition
Here are some other red flags.
Source: monsters-and-teeth on Tumblr
7. You pass on what you know
There are some things you can’t expect people to simply “grow out of.”
Source: alwaysbewoke on Tumblr
8. All abuse is bad
People are people.
Source: spoonmeb on Tumblr
9. Looks can be deceiving
You don’t have to be big to use violence or psychological terror.
Source: purpleandpinkhouses on Tumblr
10. Pass it on
This stuff matters.
It’s good to remind ourselves from time to time that all humans are capable of hurting, and all are capable of being hurt. The sooner we truly get that through our heads, the better off we’ll be.
What do you think about this?
Tell us in the comments.