Emergency Situations

All battering is dangerous; one push or shove can quickly escalate to a life-threatening situation. Battering increases in frequency and severity over time. Certain behaviors, actions and words by an abuser, however, indicate particular danger for you. FBA wants to help you identify if you are in a risky situation.

Look for These Signs:

Threatens suicide or homicide. If the abuser says that they will kill themselves, understand that this likely means they will kill you as well.

Fantasizes about homicide or suicide. If they see this as a “solution” to their problems, they may attempt it. Beware of your abuser threatening suicide. Usually, it means they plan to kill you first.

Possesses weapons. If your abuser owns weapons and has used them or threatened to use them in the past, they have the potential for lethal assault. The use of guns is a strong predictor of homicide.

Ownership issues. If your abuser believes you “belong” to them, or “death before divorce,” their behavior is more likely to become lethal.

Idolizes you. If your abuser idolizes you, or depends heavily on you to sustain, and has become isolated from others, it is likely they will retaliate against you if you decide to end the relationship.

Separation violence. If your abuser believes you will leave them, and they can’t imagine life without you, they may try to kill you. Many homicides occur when a survivor is leaving their abusive partner.

Escalating danger. When your batterer begins to act more and more as if  they have no regard for the consequences of their actions – legal or otherwise – you are at an extremely increased risk of danger.

If you see any of these in your abuser, you should know that your relationship could become deadly. Click Here and contact the Help Resource in your state.