Warning Signs

Recognizing Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is not limited to physical battery; domestic violence can also occur in the forms of verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse.
Read More: What is Domestic Violence?

In many cases, verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse are precursors to or indiciators of a dangerous or DEADLY situation. If you observe a pattern of any of the following behaviors, you should take action to help. Your actions could help to prevent bodily harm or even SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE. Regardless of the type of relationship (husband-and-wife, boyfriend/girlfriend, dating, family members, just living-together, same-sex relationships, etc.), warning signs of domestic violence are still the same.

What to Beware Of

• One partner checks up on the other a lot, for example, by listening in on phone calls, constantly asking about whereabouts, calling a person at work all day, checking a person's car mileage. bullet
• One partner puts the other down, for example, by name-calling, constant criticism, public or private humiliation, or making the other partner feel crazy. bullet
• One partner tries to control the other, for example, by telling the person not to see certain friends or family members, keeping the person away from school or work, making the person stay home when she wants to go out. bullet
• One partner acts jealous or possessive and says it's a sign of love.
• One partner destroys or threatens to destroy the other's belongings.
• One partner threatens to hurt the other, or friends, family members, or pets.
• One partner touches the other in a way or ways that hurt or scare the other partner.
• One partner makes the other have sex in ways or at times that are uncomfortable.
• One partner blames the other one and other people for everything, and gets angry in a way that scares the other partner or observers.
• One partner says that the concerns of the other about the relationship are not real or not important.

Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence

Chemical dependency and domestic violence are two separate problems. Drinking and drug use do not cause battering; battering does not cause addiction. HOWEVER, both problems often co-exist within an abusive relationship. When this happens, both the severity of injuries and probability of a lethal outcome may increase. If you are concerned about your own or another person's substance abuse, you can receive information and referrals 24 hours a day by calling the Alcohol Drug Help Line. If you feel you are in jeopardy of harm or need to get to an emergency shelter, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) (TDD Line: 1-800-787-3224).