Resources
Maneuvers an Abuser May Use to Keep You from Leaving
Signs to be aware of:
- Promises to change
- Enters therapy or abusers’ program
- Stops drinking/attends AA
- Apologizes
- Says no one else will want you
- Says you’re abandoning him
- Threatens to kidnap/take custody of the children
- Threatens to withhold finances
- Acts nice
- Persuades others to pressure you, giving him another chance
- Threatens suicide
- Spreads rumors or your confidential information
- Starts a relationship/affair to upset you
- Insists he’s changed
- Threatens or assaults anyone helping you or starting a relationship with you
- Gets you pregnant
- Stalks you
- Physically/sexually assaults you
- Destroys property
- Threatens to harm or kill you
The above material was adapted from Lundy Bancroft, Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men: Pgs. 213-214, ©2002 Berkley Books, New York, NY
