Relationship Abuse Relationship Essay

When I was in 5th grade, a boy threw dirt on me. When I complained to my teacher, she simply said, “Boys will be boys.” When I was in 7th grade, a neighborhood boy repeatedly tackled me to the ground. I let him continue hurting me because I thought this was a sign that he liked me. From a young age, small things like that instilled it into my mind that abuse was a part of love. It was implied to me that it was normal for boys to be aggressive towards others; that it was ‘cute’. Thankfully, I realized this way of thinking was wrong. Later on, I learned that love and relationships were built on respect. From a photo quote I read online, “A healthy relationship doesn’t drag you down. It inspires you to be better” (Hale). Abusive relationships come in a myriad of different forms and as a society we should educate ourselves about it by knowing the root causes of it and the lasting effects it can have.

According to the Center for Relationship Abuse Awareness, relationship abuse is a “pattern of abusive and coercive behaviors used to maintain power and control over a former or current intimate partner” (Baran, “What is Relationship Abuse?”). In relationships like this there is the abuser and the victim. Stereotypically, people would think the male figure would be the abuser and the victim would be female. However, abuse and cruelty don’t discriminate. Any human being, no matter gender or race, is capable of hurting another. The abuse that can be inflicted in these relationships are “emotional, financial, sexual or physical and can include threats, isolation, and intimidation” (Baran, “What is Relationship Abuse?”). The whole idea of intentionally physically/mentally damaging someone they should love is a baffling concept to most. Many may wonder what causes this sort of