04/21/2026
Are you starting a new relationship or questioning some of the behaviours that you are seeing in your current relationship?
No matter how long you’ve been together, you should look for indicators of an unhealthy or abusive relationship. The most common red flags include:
• Isolation. Your current partner tries to isolate you from your support system, including family and friends, controlling what you do, where you go and who you see or talk to.
• Intimidation. They try to instill fear by raising their voice, standing over you while they yell or smashes things around you.
• Threats. They threaten to harm you or your loved ones (like your friends, family or pets), or threaten to harm themselves if you leave them.
• Jealousy. Your partner shows possessive or jealous behaviours. Jealousy does not represent love, it indicates a lack of trust or insecurity.
• Belittling. Your partner tries to convince you that you are nothing without them and that no one else would want you.
• Blame and shame. They may minimize the abuse, deny that it took place or shift the blame onto you, saying you caused it.
• Control. Your partner exerts control over aspects of your life. For example, they may control your finances, your access to a vehicle, the internet or your cell phone, or even the type of clothing you wear.
• Tracking. They may demand access to your cell phone, social media, and may follow you or show up unexpectedly at places where you are.
These red flags should not be ignored.
Each of these represent a form of control within the relationship. Relationships that are based on control often escalate to physical violence.
If you (or someone you care about) are in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, you are not alone.
Help is available from police, provincial supports and community-based organizations across Newfoundland and Labrador.
You can find more information about supports in your area at gov.nl.ca/vpi/information-about-violence/where-to-get-help/.
