Unsafe Relationship

Is your relationship unsafe? For many of us, that's not an easy question to answer. We each have basic rights for physical and emotional safety. 

Every one of us deserves to be safe from physical and emotional threat in all of our relationships. 

But relationship safety for a midlife woman may include complex concerns—financial freedom, self-determination, custody of children, parental care, long-term care.

For the purpose of looking after your sexual health, we know this: If the status of your relationship poses a threat to any aspect of your life that is important to you—it’s not entirely safe. And an unsafe relationship, for most of us, is a libido killer.

If fear about your relationship is the driver for resolving problems with your sexuality, we recommend your treatment plan includes working with a good counselor who can help you and/or your partner find safer ground. Your doctor can recommend one, or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. They offer crisis intervention, safety planning, information, and referrals to agencies in every U.S. state, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In English or Spanish or, through interpreters, 170 other languages, their advocates will assist victims and anyone calling on their behalf. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or TTY (800) 787-3224.

Learn about the actions you could take, listed at right, to address this condition or see other conditions that could affect you.