Non-abusive ’red flags’ that predict intimate partner violence

Research statistically shows behaviours that are typically considered to be non-violent prior to the abuse happening. (Valentin Antonucci/Pexels) Researchers from Western say it's rare for someone to go on a first date and experience intimate partner violence immediately. It takes time and during that time, people become more committed to their partner. As the relationship progresses, tangible and intangible elements of a relationship like moving in together, getting married or falling in love can make it more difficult to leave. With this knowledge, former Western law and psychology researcher Nicolyn Charlot set out to find warning signs that can be spotted early in a relationship before violence occurs and before one becomes too invested in the relationship. Some of these signs include, when a person feels they can't say no to their partner, their partner acts arrogant or entitled, or their partner tries to change them. Much of the existing literature on warning signs for partner violence focuses on signs that are visible when people are already in an abusive relationship.