An abusive relationship is characterized by a pattern of coercive control. In contrast, healthy relationships allow for egalitarian treatment of both partners and are characterized by mutual respect. Evidence of a healthy relationship includes some of the following characteristics:
Partnerships
- Decisions are made jointly, with input from each partner
- Responsibilities are shared by each partner
- Economic Equality
- Freedom to decide issues of work, school and money
- Neither partner restricts the other to gender roles
Emotional Honesty
- Each partner feels safe admitting and sharing feelings of fear and insecurity
- Each partner accepts responsibility for their own feelings while recognizing the validity of the other's feelings
Sexual Respect
- Each partner respects the other's sexual values
- Each partner honors the other's right to determine the course of their sexuality
- Each partner accepts "no" and does not enforce sexual demands
Physical Safety
- Each partner respects the physical space of the other
- Physical force is never used to subordinate one to the other's will
- Physical force is never used as a form of punishment
Support, Trust, and Respect
- Each partner listens and attempts to understand the other
- Each partner's opinion is valued
- Each partner respects the right to differing feelings, friends and activities
- Each supports the other partner's goals
