Some of the signs of domestic abuse, such as physical marks, may be easy to identify. Others may be things you can easily explain away or overlook. By knowing the signs of domestic abuse, you could help a friend, colleague or family member
Some signs of physical abuse include:
Black eyes
Bruises on the arms
Busted lips
Red or purple marks on the neck
Sprained wrists
Hiding bruises with clothing - for example, you may notice that someone you care about is wearing long sleeves or scarves in the summer or wearing heavier than normal makeup or wearing sunglasses inside
Some signs of emotional abuse include:
Agitation, anxiety, or constant apprehension
Changes in sleep habits (sleeping too much or not enough)
Developing a drug or alcohol problem
Pressured to have unsafe sex – for example, not using a condom?
Extremely apologetic or meek
Loss of interest in daily activities
Low self-esteem
Seeming fearful
Symptoms of depression
Talking about or attempting suicide
Some signs abuse can affect a person’s behaviour. You may notice that the person:
Becomes reserved and distant
Begins isolating themselves by cutting off contacts with friends and family members
Drops out of activities they would usually enjoy
Had your access to money restricted or are your finances being controlled by someone else?
Exhibits excessive privacy concerning their personal life or the person with whom they're in a relationship
Is often late to work or other appointments
Domestic abuse is all not about violence, it's also about control. Here are some examples of control:
Asking permission to go anywhere or to meet and socialise with other people
Constant calls, texts, or tracking by their partner wanting to know where they are, what they are doing, and who they are with
Having very little money available to them, not having access to a credit card, or having to account for every penny spent
Not having access to a vehicle
Referring to their partner as "jealous" or "possessive," or always accusing them of having affairs
Trust your instincts - if something you’ve seen or heard doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
