Abusers threatening suicide. A particularly serious concern is when an abuser threatens suicide. Even through an abuser might use these threats to manipulate their partner, it’s crucial to take them seriously. That’s because if abusers follow through they often kill others first. Patricia Bathurst, a licensed marriage and family therapist at The Oasis Recovery, says abuser may “Kill their partner and/or other members of the family, such as their children, before committing suicide themselves.”
Murders-suicide threats represent ownership, not despair. “The abuser is choosing-from all possible responses to relationship changes-to assert total control.”
SOME COMMOM THREATS FROM ABUSERS!
Abusers choose threat precisely calibrated to their victim’s specific fears: Threatening children to a devoted parent, threatening deportation to an immigrant, threatening to out someone who isn’t publicly LGBTQ+.
Threats of physical harm or death: “I’ll kill you if you ever leave me” or “if I can’t have you, no one will.”
Threats involving children: “I’ll take the kids, and you’ll never see them again.”
Reputational and social threats: “I’ll ruin your life. Everyone will believe me over you.”
Threats of self-harm or suicide: “I’ll kill myself—and it’ll be your fault.” Emotional degradation: “You’re nothing without me.” Threats against pets: “I’ll hurt or kill the dog in front of you and the kids.” Financial threats: I’ll tell your boss” or “I won’t let you to work.” Immigration threats: “I’ll keep you from getting your green card.” Healthcare Threats: “I’ll take away your health insurance,” or “I’ll stop you from going to the doctor (or take the kids to the doctor).”
This is just some of the most common threats an abuser will do to make you understand that they are in control. You may feel like you have to do just what the abuser says so everything will stay calm and not escalate the situation. This is all a form of abuse without even touching you. No one should have to live on eggshells in their home. For more information about this or if you are in an abusive relationship please reach out to Project Celebration, Inc. @318-256-6242 for Sabine, 318-349-8938 For Desoto, 318-663-5961 for Natchitoches, 318-221-8003 for Caddo & Bossier and 318-780-2964 for Webster Parish. DV hotline: 1-888-411-1333. You are not alone, we can help you, these numbers will ring 24/7 365 days a year.