Abuse that occurs within the confines of a personal relationship is called “domestic violence”. This type of abuse may be physical and it may be psychological in nature. The only people who can say for certain that abuse is occurring in their home are the people who are being abused and the people who are abusing them. There are signs that can alert you to the possibility that a domestic violence situation is occurring in the home of someone you know and love. If you notice any of these signs in someone you love then reach out to them. Let them know they are not alone and there is help available to them.
Warning Signs of Domestic Violence
• If your friend acts like they are afraid of their partner this is the number one sign there is something not right about the relationship. If someone you know acts like they are intimidated or afraid of the person they are in a relationship with this should give you a reason to become concerned that your friend is in a domestic violence situation.
• If your friend’s significant other seems to try and stop them from seeing friends and family members. Often the abuser tries to cut off the victim’s access to family and friends so they have more control over them. If a friend or family member begins to turn down offers to do things they once enjoyed this should send up a warning flag.
• If your friend appears to have a lot of “accidents”. Victims often try to cover up the physical signs of their abuse with stories of accidental falls, burns, and other things that could normally happen. Common injuries include black eyes, broken bones, and bruises resembling finger marks on the victim’s arms, neck, or other parts of their body.
• If your friend has a partner that controls all of their money, including bank accounts, credit cards, and other access to money you should be concerned. Abusive people like to have control and by keeping the victim shut off from the finances they can keep them from leaving. You will often hear the person that is doing the abusing make comments about “my money”, or “my house”. They are possessive and over time it becomes obvious that they are possessive.
• If your friend changes the way they dress, wear their hair or any part of their physical appearance because that is what their partner wants you have reason to worry.
• If someone you know is being ridiculed or put down by their partner you should be worried. The abusive person will often make fun of their partner or belittle them in front of other people. They may try to laugh it off like it was a joke but you will be able to see on the face of the victim that they did not find any of it humorous.
Domestic violence happens to people from all walks of life. Abused women often try to hide the evidence of their condition from friends and family.