What is a Toxic Relationship?

Firstly, let’s be clear on what we mean by domestic abuse as this can sometimes be difficult to spot. In April 2021 a landmark Domestic Abuse Bill received Royal Assent. It marks the first time in history there has been a wide-ranging legal definition of domestic abuse which incorporates emotional, coercive or controlling behavior, and economic abuse. Toxic and abusive relationships adversely impact a person’s health and well-being and can be difficult to spot given toxicity is often wrapped up in flashes of romance and confusing behavior. In the early days, the signs that this may not be a healthy relationship are not obvious. It’s natural to only show your best side when you first meet a potential partner and someone who is capable of abuse will want to lure you in. Love bombing is a technique used to lure you into these toxic relationships with extravagant displays of love, gifts, compliments, grandiose promises and gifts. You fall in love with who you think they are and then over time the mask starts to slip, and you see behaviors that you would never have fallen for if they were obvious on day one. These include lies, bullying, gaslighting (confusing behavior), controlling behavior, a constant need for praise and attention and never accepting blame.

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