Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-24979796-20140527195418/@comment-5278765-20140528144832

There's consent and then there is "I'm going to talk you into it 'consent'". Understanding the difference is important. Consent is only consent when it is freely and enthusiastically given.

Signs you're in an emotionally abusive relationship:

1. Isolation

2. Verbally abusive

3. Blames others

4. Alcohol and drug use

5. Instills fear

6. Punishes you for time away

7. Expects you to be a servant

8. Is extremely jealous

9. Controls you (or tries to control you) through emotions

10. Gets physical

By my count, Owen has about six of these in his relationship with Cristina. He expected Cristina just to change her mind and bend to his will on the kids issue (yes, he later backed off, after kicking her out of her home for not bending to his will, trying to guilt her into doing what he wanted, and then later, attempting to shame her in a public place for making her choice) when she made it VERY CLEAR from the first time it came up that she was never having kids.

As someone who has been in an abusive relationship, it bothers me how many people don't know the signs and will actually defend the abuser's actions because of the honeymoon period. And how many people in abusive relationships don't feel safe seeking help because they fear that no one will believe them.