Take the time to learn the warning signs and indicators of abuse. Here are different types of indicators of abuse:
Indicators of Emotional/Psychological Abuse
- She may minimize or deny the danger to herself and/or her children
- She is hopeful or believes the abuse will not happen again
- She blames herself for the abuse and feels she provokes the abuser
- She depends on the approval of others, particularly other men
- Her self-worth and esteem is dependent on the views, expectations and approval of others
- She rationalizes or blames abuse on relationship problems or stresses
- She is numb or emotionally flat
- Her partner’s feelings and problems are more important than her own
- She views herself as weak, and dependent of her partner
- She is isolated and has no outside relationships
- She is financially dependent on the abuser
- She seeks approval and “permission” from the abuser
- She always rationalizes and defends her behaviour to her abuser
Indicators of Physical Abuse
- Injuries, both visible and not visible, such as bruising, sprains, pulled muscles, burns, internal bleeding, cuts, broken bones, patches of hair missing, choke marks, black eyes, ect…
- Old or untreated injuries, particularly injuries that do not match the explanation given by the woman.
- Continual and repeated injuries like ones mentioned above which are explained as accidents or clumsiness.
- Drug/alcohol abuse or noncompliance with medications
- Prolonged use of drugs such as tranquilizers or antidepressants
- Lack of support or isolation
- Suicidal ideations/attempts
- Hypersensitivity, anxiety, hopelessness, stress reactions such as tension, headaches, insomnia, pain in back, chest or stomach.
Indicators of Verbal Abuse
- Uneven interactions between the two partners
- She is often insulted or put down by the abuser
- She is often accused of bad behaviour by the abuser
- She seems fearful, nervous, unsure or passive when the abuser is present
- She is constantly telling her partner of her whereabouts, or who she is with
Signs of Immediate Danger
- She threatens self-harm, or abuser threatens to harm self, her or her children
- She is forced into sexual intercourse
- She has been hit or choked by the abuser, repeatedly
- The abuser has direct access to weapons, particularly when battering her
- She claims fear for her and/or children lives
- She just left the relationship or plans on leaving
- She is isolated geographically or socially