Domestic Violence Warning Signs

Shanda Campbell

When most people think of domestic violence they picture an angry monster. Someone who is always mean, constantly screaming, and physically abusive. This picture leads most to believe that domestic violence victims are ‘weak’for even beginning a relationship with their abuser. The truth of the matter is that there is a domestic violence cycle (tension, violence, honeymoon, calm). Many domestic violence victims have many fond memories of their abuser before and after the act of abuse. Domestic Violence does not occur because the victim is weak, uneducated, or any other negative adjective. Domestic violence can happen to anyone; it can be physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, and/or financial.

While the physical signs of abuse may be most obvious there are many victims who suffer severely with unseen scars. Victims often recall the abuse beginning with hurtful words, and controlling actions. This destroys one’s self-worth and often leads to depression, and anxiety. Before you know it you are in too deep and feel as if there is no way out. If you or someone you know is in a toxic relationship and need assistance contact Artemis Center 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline at (937) 461-HELP(4357) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) they can assist in preventing, identifying, and/or safely exiting a toxic relationship. Here are some "red flags" that serve as warnings that abuse may occur: Does your partner:

 Humiliate, or yell at you?

 Put you down or diminish your opinions or accomplishments?

 Blame you for their controlling and abusive behavior?

 Treat you as property?

 Have an unpredictable temper?

 Hurt you, or threaten to hurt or kill you?

 Threaten to harm family/friends?

 Threaten to commit suicide if you leave?

 Force you to have sex?

 Destroy items that are important to you?

 Act excessively jealous and possessive?

 Control where you go, who you are with, or what you do?

 Keep you from seeing your friends or family?

 Limit your access to money, the phone, or the car?

 Constantly check up on you?

 Make you feel afraid, emotionally numb, and/or helpless

If you answer yes to any of these questions call National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)