What Are The Signs of Domestic Abuse?

A Guide For Friends and Family

Nobody ever wants to think about somebody that they love or care for being in a situation where they are being abused.

And this can make it all the more challenging if you are a friend or family member of somebody who you suspect is in an abusive relationship with their partner.

Domestic abuse has serious implications for everybody involved, especially if there are children. And it can be all too tempting to rush in and aim to pull somebody out of a dangerous situation, but before you do this, you need to be certain that this is what you’re dealing with. 

This guide will break down some of the signs that domestic abuse is occurring, as well as provide you with advice on what you should do.

Regular Injuries

If your loved one or friend has a young child that is a rambunctious toddler, it can be commonplace for them to have scratches on their arms. But if you notice regularly occurring injuries to their face or anywhere else on their body, this can be a sign that they may be in an abusive relationship. 

It’s worth noting that domestic abuse is not always physical, and if you notice injuries that they may be doing to themselves, this also should warrant an in-depth conversation with them. If you aren’t sure of the cause of the injuries but want to help, it may be wise to point them in the direction of a domestic abuse attorney and support them through the process.

Behavioral Issues With Children

One of the real tragedies of domestic abuse is that it is often witnessed by children. These children may withdraw inwardly or become physically aggressive as a result. This is because children simply cannot cope with what they are seeing, and if you notice that your loved one’s children are becoming suddenly disruptive, it can be worth exploring if they are bearing witness to events that no child should see.

Damage To The Property

Many people who commit domestic abuse do not do it directly and may use damage to the property as a form of intimidation. If you are visiting your friend’s or a family member’s household and notice that there are holes in the walls or doors or if there are broken pieces of furniture, it is worth gently inquiring as to what has happened.

Low Level of Self-Care

Has your friend or loved one gone from being a fairly glamorous person to being somebody who does not take care of how they look? This can present as them having unkempt hair, unbrushed teeth, or wearing clothes that are damaged or torn. This signifies low self-esteem, which can be the result of domestic abuse. But it can also be a symptom of underlying mental illness, so be sure to tread carefully when bringing this up.

Reluctance To Talk

The biggest indicator for many people that their friend or loved one is being abused is that they are reluctant to talk about it; or worse, they put a happy face on the issue, such as they walked into a door or fell down the stairs. In some cases, this may be what happened, but if you notice regular occurrences of injuries, paired with a smiley disposition and avoidance, this can be a sign that domestic abuse is occurring.