{"id":88859,"date":"2023-09-06T11:22:44","date_gmt":"2023-09-06T11:22:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=88859"},"modified":"2023-09-08T14:24:06","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T14:24:06","slug":"is-it-normal-girlfriend-hit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/domestic-violence-and-abuse\/is-it-normal-girlfriend-hit\/","title":{"rendered":"Is It Normal for My Girlfriend to Hit Me?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Woman<\/p>\n

Relationships experience ups and downs, and it is essential for partners to work collaboratively toward resolving their issues. Concerning relationship problems like physical violence, where partners may hit each other, understanding why it happened and finding a solution would help nip the situation in the bud. <\/span><\/p>\n

So let’s find answers to the question, “Is it normal for my girlfriend to hit me?” Furthermore, let’s look into the possible causes for this behavior and how you can rightly handle such behavior from your partner.  <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Is it okay for my girlfriend to hit me?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

If you’re looking for an answer to “why my girlfriend keeps hitting me?” it can be due to some reasons like trauma, substance abuse, desire for control, etc. However,<\/span> it is not okay or normal for your girlfriend to hit you, especially if she does it repeatedly and violently.<\/b> <\/span><\/p>\n

If she hits you regularly and is not done playfully, you may be physically abused. <\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED READING : <\/span>13 Signs You Have an Abusive Wife and How to Deal With Her<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/span>11 possible reasons why your girlfriend hits you<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Wondering, “Why is my girlfriend hitting me?” When your girlfriend hits you, it might come as a rude shock and leave you wondering why she did that. Here are a few possible reasons that answer the question, “Why does my girlfriend hit me?”<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Childhood trauma<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you’re asking, “Why my girlfriend hits me?” it may be due to unresolved childhood trauma. It would help if you found out more about whether her childhood was abusive or not.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED READING : <\/span>How Childhood Trauma Affects Relationships: 7 Ways & How to Deal<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n

2. Poor communication skills<\/b><\/h3>\n

Some girlfriends might physically take it out on you if they find communicating challenging. They may believe that hitting you would make you understand more about the message they are trying to communicate. <\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED READING : <\/span>10 Effects of Lack of Communication in a Relationship & Ways to Deal<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n

3. Low self-esteem<\/b><\/h3>\n

Your girlfriend might hit you if she is struggling with low self-esteem. It might be her way of trying to exercise control over you. <\/span><\/p>\n

4. Substance abuse<\/b><\/h3>\n

Substances like alcohol and drugs can prevent someone from making the right decisions. These substances can contribute to abusive actions, like your girlfriend hitting you without any reason. <\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED READING : <\/span>How Does Drug Abuse Destroy Your Marriage?<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n

5. Societal norms<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you have asked questions like is it normal for my girlfriend to hit me, it might be due to societal or cultural norms. She might act based on society’s dictates, not minding if it is wrong or right.<\/span><\/p>\n

Check out Susan A Murty’s and other authors’ <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> on physical and emotional partner abuse reported by women and men in rural communities. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"Woman<\/p>\n

6. Desire for power and control<\/b><\/h3>\n

If your girlfriend wants to feel powerful or control you, she might hit you even when she knows it is wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Jealousy<\/b><\/h3>\n

If your <\/span>girlfriend is jealous of you<\/span><\/a> over anything, it might result in abusive habits. For instance, if she is jealous of a third party in your relationship, she might begin to hit you to exert control.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Financial dependence<\/b><\/h3>\n

Someone experiencing financial strain might become frustrated, leading to frustration and stress. This can make your girlfriend hit you because she may feel financially dependent on people, including you.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Past relationship trauma<\/b><\/h3>\n

Concerning the question, “Is it okay for my girlfriend to hit me?” One of the reasons might be what she experienced in her previous relationship. She might think it is normal for partners to hit each other. <\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED READING : <\/span>How to Heal From Relationship Trauma: 10 Healthy Tips<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n

10. Disrespect<\/b><\/h3>\n

When your girlfriend hits you repeatedly, it could be a sign that she does not respect you. Hence, hitting you might be her way of communicating her disregard for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

11. Desire for revenge<\/b><\/h3>\n

Her quest for revenge could be an answer to the question, “Is it normal for my girlfriend to hit me?” She might hit you because you did it to her in the past.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>11 things to do when your girlfriend hits you<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

When your girlfriend hits you, ensure you don’t retaliate. However, take time to process the event so you can make the right decisions. Here are some things on what to do if your girlfriend hits you:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Seek help from a professional<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you are wondering if “is it normal for my girlfriend to hit me?” a <\/span>mental health professional<\/span><\/a> is one of the best persons to answer the question. It’s essential to see a mental health professional or counselor when your girlfriend becomes physically abusive.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Talk to trusted family and friends<\/b><\/h3>\n

When your girlfriend hits you, you must let some key people in your life know what you are experiencing. You can reach out to friends and family members so that they can be aware and provide solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Give them space<\/b><\/h3>\n

If your girlfriend hits you occasionally, it will help if you give her some physical space. This would ensure she doesn’t hit you regularly and prevent you from doing something unpleasant. <\/span><\/p>\n

Watch Esther Perel, a Belgian-American <\/span><\/i>psychotherapist<\/span><\/i><\/a> who is known for her work on human relationships sharing the benefits and importance of giving your partner space in a relationship:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n