Signs of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can happen to anybody. It is defined as a pattern of behavior that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner or household member. Usually people associate physical abuse with domestic violence - but the controlling behaviors can be verbal, psychological, financial or emotional in nature. If you or someone you care about is in a difficult relationship, please explore the information in this section of the website or call Shelterhouse at 877-216-6383. We have trained advocates ready to hear from you anytime, 24-hours a day.

Domestic violence can take many different forms. It involves physical, verbal, emotional, mental, financial, and sexual abuse. At first, the control and manipulation your partner uses can be very subtle. Answer "yes" or "no" to the following questions to determine if what you are experiencing is domestic violence:

• Do you feel you must "walk on eggshells" to avoid upsetting your partner?

• Does your partner put you down, call you names or threaten you?

• Does your partner continually criticize what you wear, what you say, how you act and how you look?

• Does your partner humiliate or make fun of you in public places and social situations?

• Has your partner threatened to hurt you or the children if you leave?

• Does your partner force you to have sex whether you want to or not?

• Have you been repeatedly accused of flirting or having sex with others?

• Does your partner restrict you from getting a job or going to school?

• Do you ever explain away bruises, cuts, or other injuries as results of how "clumsy" you are?

• Do you feel nervous or afraid for your safety when your partner becomes angry?

• Are you afraid to disagree with your partner?

• Are you frightened by your partner's violence towards other people or animals?

• Has your partner intentionally damaged your possessions?

• Has your partner cut you off from family and friends or isolated you?

• Are you afraid that if you left, you would be attacked, harassed or followed?

• Does your partner make all the decisions or control the money?

• Has your partner pushed, slapped, kicked, choked, restrained or hurt you?

• Are you afraid of your partner?

Answering yes to any of the above questions may indicate that you are being abused. Abuse usually escalates over time. Call Shelterhouse toll-free at 877-216-6383 if you need immediate help.

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