Domestic violence is a prominent issue in many American households. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime with 1.3 million women affected annually. Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma or even death. And the consequences can last a lifetime, especially if abuse is witnessed by a child.
Sometimes, signs of domestic violence are obvious, like in cases of assault, battery and sexual assault. But intimidation and verbal abuse are also considered abusive behavior. Here are some possible warning signs from the National Network to End Domestic Violence on how to spot – and stop – cases of home abuse.
- Jealousy: Is your partner jealous of time you spend with your family and friends? Is your partner jealous of attention you get from other people?
- Controlling behavior: Does your partner make all the decisions regarding what you wear, what you eat, where you go or who you see?
- Isolation: Has your partner attempted to cut you off from your friends or family? Has your partner limited your ability to use the phone or car, or prevented you from going to work or school?
- Cruelty to animals or children: Has your partner hurt or threatened to hurt your pet or child?
- Verbal abuse: Does your partner say cruel and hurtful things to degrade you?
- Threats of violence: Has your partner threatened to harm you?
- Past abusive behavior: Has your partner abused others in the past?
If you or someone you know may be a victim of domestic violence, you can find free support from the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 and Amy’s Courage Fund, administered by the National Network to End Domestic Violence. For more information and ways to prevent domestic violence, check out NNEDV’s online resource guide.
3 Comments on "Stop Domestic Violence Before It Starts"
CINDY CORMIER
my 1st husband literally kept me a prisoner for over 12 years. police never saved me. when he would keep only 1 daughter at all times- and me with no car- he knew i would never leave my children. i and 3 other siblings were abandoned my our mother when i was 4 yrs old and the oldest of us- “thank you daddy for rescuing us and taking good care of us all.” he has been gone for 15 yrs. now- and my 4 daughters are now grown, all have graduated high school on the honor roll ! 2 were always all “a” ’s !!! i am so proud of them all and i love them very much. when i finally made my escape from my prison, i worked 2 jobs to raise them.
i taught my girls to leave the very 1st time anything starts ! and they will never live like i did. i wish i could express to all women that they have help nowadays !!! take the help and be free again…
before you never escape !
i am now 51- and still have deep scars because of him.
” do not suffer, get help ! ”
thank you.
Taylor
i feel that domestiv violence is horrific and i am currently in yer 11 and we are learning about it and have to create our own Campain for Australia but i eally need some ideas for prevention like hoe we can socially halp so if you have any ideas can you please help
thyanx tay
Jennifer Dotson
I left an abusive relationship and sadly the courts still allow my ex to torture both our child and myself psychologically. As long as he is not beating me, then in the justice system’s mind, it is not abuse. BUT IT IS!!!!! He is allowed to ‘gaslight’ both of us, brainwash our child, torture us both and get away with it. ALL ABUSE needs to end. The courts need to recognize when someone is engaging in mental and verbal abuse. And no it is not sticks and stones may break my bones, sometimes verbal and mental abuse hurts worse than the physical beatings. Had I known what I would be in for when I left, I might not have left. This torture is worse than any beating I have endured.
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