5. Domestic abuse

• Sex and relationship education
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• GCSE

What does an unhealthy relationship look like?

What does an abusive relationship look like?
Can relationships come back from being abusive?

Why do people stay in abusive relationships?
What are the strategies for leaving an abusive relationship?
Who can help you if you are in trouble?

Is this acceptable behaviour in a healthy relationship: Your partner is not a good cook and expects you to do the cooking and they will do the washing up

YES

MAYBE

NO

Is this acceptable behaviour in a healthy relationship: Your partner is interested in where you are going and what time to expect you home

YES

MAYBE

NO

Is this acceptable behaviour in a healthy relationship: Your partner convinces you to do things by saying ‘if you love me you will do it’

YES

MAYBE

NO

Is this acceptable behaviour in a healthy relationship:Your partner can be intimidating and aggressive when you have a falling out

YES

MAYBE

NO

Is this acceptable behaviour in a healthy relationship: Your partner keeps small secrets from you because they don’t want to hurt you

YES

MAYBE

NO

Is this acceptable behaviour in a healthy relationship: Your partner threatens to leave you if you don’t change your behaviour towards them

YES

MAYBE

NO

Causes of conflict in a relationship

(taking your anger or frustration out on you partner)

(blaming, abuse – physical, emotional, sexual)

(ignoring, workaholism, addictions)

(telling family or friends about your problems but not addressing them with your partner)

(nitpicking, nagging, criticizing)

(infidelity, lying and cheating)

(not being attentive, expressive, affectionate, supportive, caring, loving)

(“my way” or else, perfectionism, trying to change your partner, possessiveness)

Scapegoating

Attacking Your Partner 

Neglecting Your Partner 

Gossiping

Negativism

Dishonesty & Betrayal 

Depriving Your Partner 

Controlling Your Partner 

“I have been going out with a girl called Emily. We have been arguing lately and she sometimes shoves me when she is angry and throws things around. I’m thinking of just ignoring this behaviour and not confronting her over it”