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Stop Domestic Violence Before It Starts |
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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. |
