Domestic Violence
Characteristics of Domestic Violence Victims
Emotional Warning Signs - Do you . . .
- experience depression?
- have suicidal thoughts?
- feel emotionally distressed?
- demonstrate dependency on the relationship?
- feel afraid?
- feel ashamed?
- feel defensive?
- feel distrustful?
- feel panicky?
- act very cautious so as to avoid violence?
- often fear separation from your partner?
- feel helplessness?
- experience flashbacks of prior violent incidents?
- feel overwhelmed with emotion?
- feel irritable?
- become startled easily?
- feel guilt or over responsibility?
Physical Warning Signs - Do you . . .
- have chronic medical complaints?
- abuse alcohol?
- abuse drugs?
- overeat?
- have a loss of appetite?
- have anorexia?
- have frequent headaches?
- experience stomach ailments?
- have high blood pressure?
- have heart palpitations?
- have allergic skin reactions?
- have insomnia?
- feel chronically fatigued?
- feel anxious?
Social Warning Signs - Do you . . .
- avoid making eye contact or look down during conversation?
- feel isolated (few/no friends or family members involved in your life)?
- make excuses for your partner’s behavior?
- minimize the assault?
- deny the seriousness of the assault?
- often defend your partner?
- have limited freedom?
- have to have your partner along if you want to see your friends or family?
- feel you have to avoid attending school because you've been forbidden to do so?
- feel alienated?
- feel vulnerable?
- feel socially isolation?
- mistrust and dislike men?
- feel humiliated?
Family Beliefs and Warning Signs - Do you . . .
- have strong traditional views about family unity?
- believe in traditional sex/gender roles?
- have a history of family violence?
- not participate in decisions about the family?
- feel bound by love and loyalty?
Self Concept Warning Signs - Do you . . .
- have low self-esteem?
- have a sense of worthlessness?
- have self-doubt?
- self-blame?
- feel incompetent?
- feel like a failure?
- have self hatred?
Miscellaneous Warning Signs - Do you . . .
- suffer at the hand of your abuser but deny your own anger and terror?
- have financial difficulties?
- maintain hope for change despite ongoing violence?
- have a belief that if you can figure out how to make your partner happy the violence will stop?
- take responsibility for the violence perpetrated against you?
- get treated like a child by your partner?
- not have a car or are forbidden to drive?
- not work outside of the home?
- not have any control over home finances?
- become the subject of ridicule about family and/or friends?
- often cannot think of a place to go if you left?
- live in chronic fear?
- experience decreased job performance?
- feel trapped?
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