Domestic Violence Prevention
Domestic violence is prevalent in every community and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. Physical violence is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior as part of a much larger, systematic pattern of dominance and control.
WARNING SIGNS THAT SOMEONE IS BEING ABUSED
PHYSICAL ABUSE
Physical abuse is perhaps the most visible form of abuse because it often leaves physical marks and scars on the body of the person being abused. Some of the most common warning signs of physical abuse include:
UNEXPLAINED INJURIES: Having any unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns.
FREQUENT INJURIES: Having a pattern of injuries such as black eyes, broken bones, cuts, or bruises.
FEAR OF THEIR PARTNER OR CAREGIVER: Seeming afraid of their partner or their caregiver.
OVERLY PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Wearing long sleeves even in warm weather to hide injuries.
EMOTIONAL ABUSE
Emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse, but it is often more difficult to detect. In many ways, this is an invisible form of abuse. Some of the warning signs of emotional abuse include:
CONSTANT CRITICISM: Having a partner or caregiver who criticizes or belittles the person they’re abusing.
ISOLATION: Being intentionally kept away from friends and family members.
EXTREME JEALOUSY: Having a partner who is constantly accusing the person they’re abusing of being unfaithful.
LOW SELF-ESTEEM: Having low self-esteem or constantly apologizing.
SEXUAL ABUSE
This form of abuse involves any unwanted sexual contact or activity. This can be directed toward children, adolescents, adults, or elders. A few of the clear warning signs of sexual abuse include:
PHYSICAL INJURIES: Having any unexplained injuries to their genital area.
FEAR OF INTIMACY: Seeming afraid of sexual activity or engaging in intimacy.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES OR PREGNANCY: Contracting an STD or becoming pregnant without being in a relationship or a consensual sexual relationship.
SEXUAL BEHAVIOR THAT IS INAPPROPRIATE FOR THEIR AGE: If a child is engaging in sexual behavior that is inappropriate for their age, it may be a sign of prior sexual abuse.
FINANCIAL ABUSE
Financial abuse is another form of abuse. This involves controlling someone’s finances or using money to manipulate them. Some signs to look out for when it comes to potential financial abuse include:
FORCED TO SIGN OVER ASSETS: Being forced to sign over personal assets, such as a home or car.
DENIED ACCESS TO MONEY: Being denied access to their own finances or money, or having to ask permission to spend it.
FORCED TO WORK: Being forced to work or being forced to give their partner or caregiver their paycheck.
DENIED ACCESS TO FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Being denied access to their own financial information, such as bills or bank statements.
Abusers often use power and control tactics to manipulate and dominate their targets. They may use physical force, threats, intimidation, isolation, or financial abuse to maintain their power over the person they are abusing. As a result, the person they’re abusing may feel trapped and unable to leave the abusive situation, making it even more challenging to seek help. This is one of the many reasons why being able to recognize the signs of abuse is imperative in order to be able to step in and help when needed.
Additional Resources
WARNING SIGNS OF ABUSERS COMMON TRAITS OF ABUSERS
WARNING SIGNS OF SOMEONE BEING ABUSED
Help is Available!
800-799-7233
Domestic Violence Hotline
Every contact with The Hotline is personal. Some people who reach out to us identify as survivors of abuse, some as concerned friends or family members, and some as abusive partners seeking to change themselves. Many people may be unsure of what to expect when you contact us.