How To Help Someone You Suspect Is Being Abused--Domestic Violence

Throughout the holiday season, family and friends gather at each other's homes, and you may have suspicions that someone you know may be the victim of domestic violence.  We would like to take this opportunity to share some information to help you.

An abusive person may exhibit the following attitudes and behaviors:

· Extreme jealousy;

· Maintaining strict control over finances or appearance;

· Setting limitations on partner’s ability to work, go to school, or have contact with friends and family;

· Restricting the use of car or phone;

· Putting partner down with insults and criticisms.

Victims of abuse may:

· Have unexplained injuries;

· Have fear or anxiety about pleasing their partner;

· Check in often with their partner to report where they are and what they are doing;

· Receive frequent, harassing phones calls or text messages from their partner;

· Talk about their partner’s temper, jealousy, or possessiveness;

· Have very low self-esteem, even if they used to be confident.

If you have suspicions and want to do something, here are some options.  

· Educate yourself on domestic violence by contacting Transitions;

· Support your loved one by listening without judging;

· Have contact information for resources ready to provide;

· Don’t pressure your loved one into making decisions or acting before he/she is ready.