ABSTRACT
Many survivors feel very alone with respect to their experiences of abuse, and they can find great relief when they learn how common abuse is, as well as the common dynamics that happen in abusive relationships. This chapter provides an in-depth discussion about the complexity of the dynamics of intimate partner violence, with a focus on clarifying aspects of abuse that aren't as widely understood. As one example, this chapter discusses how both healthy and abusive relationships often look similar in the early phases of the relationship, which can help survivors understand how they may have missed red flags for abuse before getting deeply involved with their abusive partner.
