Pressure and control

Look for a pattern where you change your choices to avoid someone else's reactions. This may involve whom you meet, your clothing, passwords, location sharing or demands that you respond immediately. A single disagreement is different from repeated monitoring, fear or threats.

You can care about someone and still feel unsafe in the relationship. Tell someone you trust what is happening. If you fear how the person may react, seek support in finding a safe approach before confronting them or making changes that could trigger danger.

Someone may explain controlling behaviour by saying they are jealous or that they care. That does not make the control acceptable.

Persistent requests, guilt, threats or pressure to provide intimate images, engage in sexual contact or have sex do not respect your boundaries.

You may become tense, frightened or anxious, or start watching what you say to avoid reactions.

You can start with one specific incident: 'I get scared if I do not reply to messages immediately.' Ask to be heard, and explain if it is difficult or unsafe to talk at home. You can get help assessing the situation without having to decide everything at once.

If someone is using digital extortion, seek advice on preserving evidence without spreading intimate images further. The police and relevant support services can advise you. You should not have to deal with threats alone, even if you originally sent an image voluntarily.