Signs of Domestic Abuse

Domestic violence affects men, women and children. The people who abuse generally cause both mental and physical harm to their victims. Federal laws bring justice to abused people by persecuting the people who commit this type of crime. However, it often takes a great deal of courage for victims to stand up to their abusers.

Isolation

Isolation is a common sign of abused people. Abusers may prohibit their victims from communicating with friends and family by threats of physical harm. Most victims tend to hide the abuse by covering for their aggressor. They may avoid family and friends in order to hide bruises or physical changes that occur from the abuse.

Physical Changes

People who abuse others usually inflict some type of physical damage. They may hit, punch or slap the object of their anger. This type of abuse often presents:

• Broken bones


• Black eyes


• Bruises anywhere on the body

Mental Abuse

Physical abuse is not the only type of domestic violence. Mental abuse is typically a problem in domestic situations. Abusers may put down victims by berating their appearance or intelligence. Aggressors may call their victims discouraging names such as fat or ugly. This may cause the abused to feel unworthy of themselves and others around them.

Abused Children

Children that live in abusive homes may fear for the parent that is abused. Children may also be objects of domestic aggression that lead to physical and psychological harm. In some cases, unborn babies face abuse when the abuser hits or punches their mother in the abdomen. Pregnant women may face abuse because they became pregnant.

Domestic violence is a serious problem in the United States. Victims can seek safe havens in domestic violence shelters. They may want to tell family and friends who may help keep them safe.