By looking at your points of weakness, you will know what issues you have to deal with, to minimise the chance of violence occurring in your home.

Emotions. It helps to rank the emotions you feel you have the most trouble with:

• Anger
• Frustration
• Stress
• Depression
• Tension
• Hurt feelings

Body Cues. What are the cues that let you know you are unable to cope and may resort to violence or abuse:

• Sweating
• Flushed face
• Increased heart rate
• Quickening breathing
• Clenched fists
• Tense posture
• Grim, angry facial expression

Behaviour. What behaviour tends to be your first "line of defence":

• Physical - violent actions such as stomping of feet, hitting at objects like the wall, banging the door
• Verbal - talking loudly, shouting, yelling

Situational Cues. Where or when does violence happen and other attributes that trigger violent behaviour:

• Location of abusive incidents - bedroom, kitchen
• Time of day - evening, late at night
• Repetitive arguments - conflict over discipline of children or money
• Names or expressions that partners use
• Making negative assumptions about partners - "she's trying to humiliate me" or "he doesn't care about me at all".