Domestic abuse is a very serious issue with 2.3 million adults reporting that they have been victim to abusive relationships in 2020 alone. However, many incidents of domestic abuse go unreported and undetected with potentially fatal consequences. Although this concept sounds very scary, there are some warning signs. Signs indicating either yourself, a family member or friend could be experiencing domestic abuse and help them to a safer life.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is a key indicator that someone has become a victim to domestic abuse. Broken bones and marks on the body such as bruises, cuts, burns or bites can be a strong sign. Indicating that a person has suffered violence within the home, especially if these marks are a repeated occurrence.
Hidden Physical Indicators
Often victims may try to hide these marks or make excuses as to how these occurred. It is important for you as a friend or family member to talk to the person concerned if they display these signs. There are many available hotlines that victims of such abuse can reach out to for support. Those concerned for possible victims experiencing abuse can also reach out for support using these hotlines.
Even though many victims can cover these marks, consequences of physical violence may appear in other ways. For instance the victim may appear to flinch when being in close proximity to others. Victims may also show signs of weight loss and depression. Sexual abuse is another extremely concerning factor of physical domestic abuse that should always be reported. Often victims of sexual abuse will become withdrawn or may appear triggered by certain intimate situations.
Any kind of physical abuse is something to be taken seriously. No matter if this is between parents and their children or between partners. Be sure to check on family, friends, colleagues and students if you believe any of these signs may occur. If you believe you have experienced these events yourself, the most important thing to remember is that this is not your fault.
Emotional Abuse
Domestic abuse is not just limited to physical harm but also stretches to emotional harm too. When an adult or child is constantly belittled or threatened by another person, this will inevitably take a toll on their mental health.
Signs of Emotional Abuse
Some signs of emotional abuse include appearing withdrawn, lacking self-confidence and often victims will slowly be cut off from friends and family. In many cases of emotional abuse those experiencing this will be controlled and manipulated.t is important to look out for signs that the victim is lacking in self-control. This can be visible in areas such as being prevented from going to school or work.
Although emotional abuse in many cases may appear obvious, this isn’t always the case. Emotional abuse may appear to be subtle and hard to spot. The term ‘gaslighting’ explains this type of domestic abuse perfectly in which the victim is coerced and manipulated. Signs of gaslighting may include the victim stating that they are ‘overreacting’ to certain concerning events. This mind set has likely been influenced by an abusive partner, parent or family member.
Other Types of Abuse
Domestic abuse may occur in other forms than just physical and emotional abuse. Victims may have their finances controlled by an abuser. Signs of financial abuse may be that the victim asks for help with buying food or money for medication. This is because their income has been removed from them.
Another form of domestic abuse can occur online with abusers taking control of the victims texts, social media accounts and emails. It’s important to note if a friend or family members regular messaging becomes less frequent or these messages appear out of character. This could be a sign that they could be experiencing a form of domestic violence through their uses of technology.
How to Help
There are many websites, platforms and helplines available for victims of domestic abuse.
Support for Women
National Domestic Violence helpline and Women’s Aid are great platforms. They support services that provide aid to women suffering from domestic abuse.
Support for Men
It is important to remember that domestic abuse is not just confined to women as 1 in 6 men suffer from abuse. Platforms such as ManKind Initiative are extremely helpful to men experiencing such abuse.
Support for Children
Child services are also available such as ChildLine. Children can also talk to their teachers in school as they will likely have the necessary avenues to help.
The police are also another service that can provide victims with the necessary resources to remove the source of domestic abuse. If the abuse is getting worse and the violence increasing, it’s important to call the police for victim support.
Help with Maria Fogg Family Law
Here at Maria Fogg we provide services that help vulnerable people remove domestic abuse from their lives. As advice from legal professionals, it is important that you reach out to experienced solicitors. They will actually aid you in providing protection from domestic abuse. Solicitors, like ourselves, can help you obtain protective injunctions.
