In the United States, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have faced some type of physical violence by an intimate partner. (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence) With statistics that high, it’s likely that you know someone that is experiencing domestic violence. What are some ‘red flags’ to look for to determine if a friend, family member, co-worker, etc. is a victim of domestic violence?
You will see subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, changes in them. They may be MORE:
* Likely to have unexplained bruises, cuts, injuries (broken wrists, fingers, ribs, nose, etc.)
* Fearful and nervous: They may be startled by loud noises or shouting. The may be unable to make decisions or may ask permission from their partner to go anywhere or do anything.
* Distracted: Always checking their phone, always checking the time, always looking to see where their partner is.
* Depressed: You notice that there is a sadness that never seems to leave, even when they are smiling. They sleep too much or not at all. Drug and alcohol use may start or increase.
* Isolated: They may come in late and leave early. They may drop out of their social circles and lose contact with friends and family.
* Likely to cancel plans at the last minute. Their partner may do something before they leave to keep them from meeting up with you – start an argument, take off with the car, etc.
They may be LESS:
* Social: You will see them out and about less often. Conversations will be shallow and surface. They won’t return calls or texts. One of the most common tools of an abuser is to isolate the victim from friends and family.
* Financially independent: The abuser will use finances to control the victim. The victim will often not have money to pay bills or will be short of cash to go out socially.
* Likely to make plans without their partner. If the partner is not interested in the activity, they won’t participate. Things that they used to enjoy are no longer a part of their life.
* Like themselves physically. You may see a drastic change in how they dress – they may dress sloppy as to not draw attention to themselves OR they may change how they dress to please their partner.
If you suspect that a friend, co-worker, or family member is being abused call 1-888-554-2501 or go to other pages on this website for more information.
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