Warning Signs
It’s impossible to know with certainty what goes on behind closed doors, but there are some telltale signs and symptoms of domestic violence and abuse. If you witness a number of warning signs in a friend, family member, or co-worker, you can reasonably suspect domestic abuse.
- Frequent injuries, with the excuse of “accidents”
- Frequent and sudden absences from work or school
- Frequent, harassing phone calls from the partner
- Fear of the partner, references to the partner’s anger
- Personality changes (e.g. an outgoing woman becomes withdrawn)
- Excessive fear of conflict
- Submissive behavior, lack of assertiveness
- Isolation from friends and family
- Insufficient resources to live (money, credit cards, car) Domestic Violence and Abuse: Help, Treatment, Intervention, and Prevention
- Depression, crying, low self-esteem
Reporting suspected domestic abuse is important. If you’re afraid of getting involved, remember that the report is confidential and everything possible will be done to protect your privacy. You don’t have to give your name, and your suspicions will be investigated before anyone is taken into custody. Most important, you can protect the victim from further harm by calling for help.
Excerpted from Understand, Prevent & Resolve Life’s Challenges with permission.
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