An abusive relationship is a type of romantic or intimate partnership in which one person exerts power and control over another through physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual abuse. This can include behaviors such as name-calling, manipulation, isolation, physical violence, or threats of harm to self or others. Abusive relationships often involve a pattern of coercive behavior that seeks to gain and maintain power over the victim, who may feel trapped, scared, or unsure how to leave the relationship safely.