Domestic abuse affects each person differently, but it impacts everyone both physically and psychologically.
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone regardless of their social, educational, orfinancial status.
For example, you may notice someone you care about wearing long sleeves or scarves in the hot summer.
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Wearing heavier than normal makeup or donning sunglasses inside are also common signs of domestic abuse.
Abuse pops up if one person in a relationship attempts to dominate and control the other person.
Usually, the control begins with psychological oremotional abuse, then escalates to physical abuse.
When domestic abuse includes physical violence, it’s termeddomestic violence.
Domestic abuse can cause people to believe that they will never escape the control of the abuser.
They may also exhibit a constant state of alertness to the point they never can completely relax.
They may reveal that the partner is particularlybad-tempered when drinking alcohol.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Listening to your loved one, watching for warning signs, and offering support are essential.
If your loved one confides in you, help them make a safety plan.
This can include domestic violence shelters and helplines offering information and direct assistance.
The National Domestic Abuse Hotline is a resource that offers assistance via phone, chat, or text.
you might text “START” to 88788 or call 1-800-799-7233 to speak to an advocate.
you’re free to also find more tips forcreating a safety planon their website.
you could also encourage your loved one to join adomestic violence support groupto help them heal from their experiences.
If you witness or know that abuse is happening, contact 911 immediately.
Takeaways
Helping someone who is the victim of domestic abuse is a delicate matter.
You are not alone and help is available.
Rakovec-Felser Z.Domestic violence and abuse in intimate relationship from public health perspective.Health Psychol Res.
State of Florida.Common signs and symptoms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Queensland Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services.Support someone experiencing domestic and family violence.
United Nations.What is domestic abuse?
