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Warning Signs of Domestic Abuse
Batterer
These are some characteristics common to perpetrators of domestic violence:
Extreme Jealousy
Controlling Behavior
Unpredictable Behavior
Unrealistic Expectations
Isolates Victim
Blames Others
Minimizes or Denies Abuse
Hypersensitive
Cruel to Children or Animals
Uses Force During Sex
Verbally Abusive
Sudden Mood Swings
Past History of Battering
Threatens Violence
Breaks or Strikes Objects
Uses Force During an Argument
Victim
Victims often display these characteristics. The longer the abuse continues, the more extreme these characteristics become.
Physical Signs of Injury
Low Self-Esteem
Depression
Isolated From Family & Friends
Blames Self
Suffers from Anxiety
Abusive Toward Others
Neglects Self or Children
Feels Hopeless
Makes Excuses for Batterer
Suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Self-Medicates With Drugs or Alcohol
Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
Children of all ages are negatively impacted by domestic abuse. There are no exceptions to this rule. This is a limited list of consequences children suffer from abuse in the home.
Physical:
Physical Abuse
Chronic Head Aches
Stomach or Digestive Problems
Bedwetting
Increased or Decreased Appetite
Trouble Sleeping
Hair Pulling or Nail Biting
Developmental Delays
Behavioral, Social & Emotional:
Aggressive
Angry
Hostile
Oppositional Behavior
Fear
Anxiety
Withdrawal
Depression
Low Self-Esteem
Nightmares
Phobias
Passive or Clingy
Role Reversal
Poor Impulse Control
Cognitive Problems:
Lower Cognitive Functioning
Poor School Performance
Lack of Conflict Resolution Skills
Pro-Violence Attitude
Belief in Rigid Gender Stereotypes
Long-term effects on children include a higher rate of adult depression, and an increased tolerance for violence in relationships. Boys raised in abusive homes often grow up to be abusers; and girls raised in abusive homes often grow up to be victims.
Provided by The Center for Violence Prevention
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