October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so that makes it a great time to learn about domestic violence – and one way to do this is to know the signs.
Domestic violence isn’t something that happens to other people. Each year, more than 10 million people are abused by an intimate partner nationwide.
So, if you need help, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 for anonymous, confidential aid: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).
Here’s what you need to know about the signs of domestic violence. Read on:
Abusers
Anyone can be an abuser. A friend. A family member. A neighbor. Most abusers only are violent with their partner (current or present) and most don’t have any record of criminal behavior.
That said, many abusers share some common traits. They can be jealous, possessive and unpredictable. They can have a temper and be verbally abusive, showing signs of controlling behavior.
Occasionally, they will have outdated beliefs about gender roles and norms.
Signs someone is being abused
It can be hard to tell if someone you love is being abused, as many survivors hide or try to downplay the situation. However, there are signs you can look for, like not having access to money or employment, control of what they are able to wear or say or being able to go places alone.
Sometimes, abusers will humiliate, berate or embarrass their partner in public, or show up places uninvited (like work or a social event) to monitor the person.
While every relationship is different, in abusive relationships, one person tries to get and keep power and control over the other person.
Domestic violence can involve physical violence, but it can also involve financial limits, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and more.
If you or someone you love is being abused, there is help available.
Everything Birth
At Everything Birth, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home.