Updated 05:53 PM EDT, Thu, Mar 28, 2024

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: 6 Common Warning Signs & How to Get Help

  • +
  • -
  • Sign up to receive the lastest news from LATINONE

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and while it's a sensitive topic to speak of (remember the Chris Brown and Rihanna controversy?), but that's exactly the point: domestic violence happen behind closed doors and unless you know how to actively look for signs, you may never notice it happening until it's too late.

Here are some warning signs to look out for (for yourself or someone you know):

1) Bruises -- especially ones that look like they came from choking, punching or extreme force like being thrown down. Web MD noted that these are usually black eyes, red or purple marks on the neck, and sprained wrists.

2) Making Excuses -- when excuses like tripping, or being accident-prone or clumsiness accounts to many bruises and marks, this could be a warning sign, especially if the seriousness of the injury does not quite match up.

3) Isolation and Control -- someone with few close friends or isolates him/herself from family or co-workers could really just be shy, but an abuser will attempt to isolate the victim by severing ties to support and resources and will block victim's access to things like vehicles, work or even telephone services.

4) Short Temper -- an abuser makes victims feel like they have to walk on eggshells to keep the peace on the household and also has the tendency to lose his temper frequently, sometimes, over the littlest of things.

5) Verbal Abuse -- an abuser will try to emotionally charge on the victim verbal abuse. This may include degrading the victim, putting down accomplishments, or even use backhanded comments that will decrease the victim's self-worth.

6) Threats -- an abuser will also instill fear in victims with the use of threats of violence that is meant to control the victim, and will claim that "everyone talks that way" when called out on it.

Domestic violence is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Not only is it harmful for the victims, it is extremely harmful for the children who watch their parents get abused as well, to the point that they may feel responsible for the abuse or they might feel embarrassed by it, to the point that it may even affect their way of viewing their future.

Nationwide, it also cost the government a lot of money. According to New Hope for Women, domestic violence results in 1,300 deaths and 2 million injuries every year and costs the community over $5.8 billion annually.

So how can you help?

If you're a victim of domestic abuse, you should talk to a friend you trust to help before your abuser gains full control, or you could get a restraining order against your abuser so that you can keep yourself and your children safe.

If you know of someone being abused, give your friend information and call hotlines like New Hope for Women or Safe Horizon.

© 2015 Latin One. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
  • Sign up to receive the lastest news from LATINONE
Close

Curiosidades

Real Time Analytics