Jealousy
Abuser will say jealousy is a sign of love

Controlling Behavior
Abuser might try to govern where you go, who you go with, what you wear, etc.

Quick Involvement
Abuser comes on strong, claiming, "I've never felt loved like this by anyone." Pressures you for an exclusive commitment almost immediately

Unrealistic Expectations
Abuser expects partner to meet all of his needs, to know what those needs are without discussing them, to predict his needs before he has them

Isolation
An abuser will try to cut you off from all resources, friends, and family

Blames Others for Problems
Abusers confront problems with statements such as, "You made me mad."

Hypersensitivity
Abusers are famous for making mountains out of molehills. For instance, he might say that forgetting to call him means you hate him or that you were trying to hurt him.

Non-consensual Use of Force in Sex
Without your consent, he may throw you down or hold you down during sex

Verbal Abuse
Abuser degrades the other person, curses the other, diminishes or debases anything the other accomplishes or dreams

Rigid Gender Roles
Abuser expects the partner to exist for him, to fulfill traditional roles assigned to women: female/passive, male/dominant

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
One minute he's kind and the next he's exploding; he's charming in public and cruel at home

Past Battering
Abuser may say he has hit other women in the past, but assure you that they provoked him

Threats of Violence
Threats of physical force are often a precursor to future violence

Breaking or Striking Objects
Breaking or striking other things is often a precursor to coming violence

Any Force During an Argument
May involve an abuser holding his partner, physically restraining her from leaving the room, any pushing, shoving, etc.