Know the Red Flag

Know the Red Flag

Know the Red Flag

Recognizing when others are being abused. It’s impossible to know with certainty what goes on behind closed doors, but there are some telltale signs and symptoms of emotional abuse and domestic violence. If you witness these warning signs of abuse in a friend, family member, or co-worker, take them very seriously.

Warning signs of abuse in other people who are being abused may:

Seem afraid or anxious to please their partner
Go along with everything their partner says and does
Check-in often with their partner to report where they are and what they’re doing
Receive frequent, harassing phone calls from their partner
Talk about their partner’s temper, jealousy, or possessiveness

Warning signs of physical violence:
People who are being physically abused may:

Have frequent injuries, with the excuse of “accidents”
Frequently miss work, school, or social events without explanation
Dress in clothing designed to hide bruises or scars (e.g. wearing long sleeves in the summer or sunglasses indoors)

Warning signs of isolation:
People who are being isolated by their abuser may:

Be restricted from seeing family and friends
Rarely go out in public without their partner
Have limited access to money, credit cards, or the car

The psychological warning signs of abuse: People who are being abused may:

Show major personality changes (e.g. an outgoing person becomes withdrawn)
Be depressed, anxious, or suicidal