While a single act of physical or sexual assault is abusive, verbal and emotional abuse requires a pattern before we can define the relationship as abusive.

How can we recognize these patterns?

Are there ways we can prevent them from happening in our relationships?

What should we do if we see these patterns in our friend or family member’s relationships?

you can recognize these patterns when they recurring over and over

once you see these patterns confront the person about them not causing because that might escalate the situation onto something that is unnecessary but ask about why he/she is doing these things.

just ask if they are ok and let them know that you are there for them and they aren't alone because there is always the possibility that being alone will make it worse for that person.