Domestic violence can come in various forms, from physical and sexual abuse to emotional and financial abuse. Although signs of physical abuse may appear obvious, it isn’t what comes first. Abuse slowly creeps up and becomes more evident as time goes on. The following blog post is an overview of the warning signs of domestic abuse.
Physical Signs of Domestic Violence
Physical abuse is generally associated with constant physical injuries from being punched, slapped, kicked, choked, shoved, or knocked down. Victims will likely have an inconsistent or weak explanation regarding these injuries or try to cover up their injuries with extra clothing or heavy makeup.
Common signs of physical abuse include:
Black eyes
Busted lips
Cuts and bruises in various stages of healing
Purple or red marks on the neck
Broken or fractured bones
Emotional Signs of Domestic Violence
Domestic abuse can also be emotionally damaging. Victims often feel helpless and hopeless about their situation because they do not believe they can never escape the abuser’s control. They may also be constantly alert or jumpy.
Common signs of emotional abuse include:
Anxiety
Depression
Low self-esteem
Being afraid or nervous around certain people
Extremely apologetic
Suicidal thoughts
Developing an alcohol or drug problem
Changes in sleep habits
Being emotionally agitated or upset
Becoming distant or reserved
Isolating themselves from family and friends
Stop doing activities they used to enjoy
Tardiness
Refuses to speak about his/her personal life
Signs of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse means non-consensual or unwanted sexual contact. Common examples include rape, sexual assault, sodomy, unwanted touching, and coerced nudity.
Common signs of sexual abuse include:
Bruising around the breasts or genital area
Ripped, stained, or bloody undergarments
Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding
Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or infections (STIs)
A police report of a rape or sexual assault
Signs of Financial Abuse
Financial abuse involves restricting a victim’s access to their own money, forcing a victim to depend on the abuser for financial needs, or taking a victim’s money or assets. This type of abuse can make it difficult to leave a violent situation.
Common signs of financial abuse include:
Feeling entitled to the victim’s money or assets
Using the victim’s assets for the abuser’s personal benefit
Trying to control the victim’s use or access to the money he/she has earned or saved
Borrowing money without repaying
Running up victim’s credit limits and not paying the bills
Asking the victim to pay their bills and other obligations
Opening or intercepting the victim’s bank statements or financial records
Limiting access to finances
Hiding or taking funds and placing them in a private account
Dictating where the victim can and cannot work or otherwise interfering with his/her job
Signs of an Abuser
The signs of domestic violence do not always appear immediately. Abusers tend to try to hide this part of themselves at first but can only keep up the façade for so long until the abuse becomes apparent.
The following are common signs of an abuser:
Possessiveness
Extremely controlling behavior
A bad temper
Extreme jealousy
A bad temper
Verbal abuse
Throw things and punch walls
Keeps close tabs on where the victim goes and who he/she is with
Demeans or embarrasses the victims in front of others
Makes the victim ask for permission to see family and friends
Extremely controlling behavior
If you are a victim of domestic violence in Chicago, IL, and need legal assistance to protect yourself from your abuser, call the Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C. at (312) 487-2795 or fill out our online contact form today to request a consultation. We have been serving the Chicagoland area since 2009!