Danger Signs of Abuse

Battering or abuse usually falls into one of several categories: physical battering, sexual assault and emotional or psychological abuse.  The battering generally gets worse over time. Early recognition of Intimate Partner Violence, battering or any type of abuse in the home, combined with intervention will help protect the woman (or man) and prevent the violence from spilling over into the workplace.

Has he ever:

      • Punched walls, slammed doors or destroyed your personal property
      • Hit, pushed or shoved you
      • Isolated you from family friends or co-workers
      • Controlled your finances
      • Physically restrained you from leaving
      • Threatened to harm your family, friends or pets
      • Threatened to take away or harm your children
      • Called you names
      • Kicked, slapped, choked, punched or ridiculed you
      • Thrown objects at you
      • Locked you out of the house
      • Threatened you with a weapon
      • Raped you
      • Refused you help when you were sick, injured or pregnant
      • Kept you from medical or dental assistance
      • Given you the silent treatment
      • Taken your car and or car keys

He:

      • Makes all of the plans and decisions with no consideration of your feelings
      • Sets the sexual activities
      • Is moody and you can never predict his mood
      • Is always late without a reason or apology
      • Publicly humiliates and criticizes you
      • Repeatedly says he hates conflict and “doesn’t want to fight”
      • Controls you through criticism, anger moodiness and threats
      • Is jealous when you talk to new people
      • Isolates you through the guise of “caring” and protecting you
      • Says, “You don’t have to work because I will take care of you.”
      • Denies your perceptions of reality
      • Ignores your needs and opinions
      • Has to have the last word
      • Says some subjects are not open to discussion
      • Makes fun of your body

If you, a friend or co-worker are experiencing any or several of the above Danger Signs please seek help from your local Domestic Violence Agency. Individual state agencies can be found under the Resource section of this website.