Signs & Signals
Signs & Red Flags
If you feel like you’re being abused, there’s a good chance you may be, and it’s worth getting help. Keep that in mind as you think about these signs:
Your partner bullies, threatens, or controls you:
- Accuses you of having an affair
- Blames you for abuse
- Criticizes you
- Tells you what to wear and how you should look
- Threatens to kill you or someone close to you
- Throws things or punches walls when angry
- Yells at you and makes you feel small
Your partner controls your money:
- Keeps cash and credit cards from you
- Puts you on an allowance and makes you explain every dollar you spend
- Keeps you from working whatever job you want
- Steals money from you or your friends
- Won’t let you have money for basic needs like food and clothes
Your partner cuts you off from family and friends:
- Keeps close tabs on where you go and whom you go with
- Makes you ask for an OK to see friends and family
- Embarrasses you in front of others, and it makes you want to avoid people
Your partner physically abuses you:
- Abandons you in a place you don’t know
- Attacks you with weapons
- Keeps you from eating, sleeping, or getting medical care
- Locks you in or out of your house
- Punches, pushes, kicks, bites, pulls hair
Your partner sexually abuses you:
- Forces you to have sex
- Makes you dress in a sexual way
- Makes you feel like you owe them sex
- Tries to give you an STD
- Won’t use condoms or other birth control
What to look for
Keep an eye out for things like:
- Excuses for injuries
- Personality changes, like low self-esteem in someone who was always confident
- Constantly checking in with their partner
- Never having money on hand
- Overly worried about pleasing their partner
- Skipping out on work, school, or social outings for no clear reason
- Wearing clothes that don’t fit the season, like long sleeves in summer to cover bruises
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-domestic-abuse-signs
If you are concerned for the immediate wellbeing and safety yourself or someone else, please call 911 or 1-800-799 SAFE (7233). If you are needing help and recovery, please contact the ARH Foundation.
Trauma Is Not A Life Sentence Hoodie Fundraiser
This October, in commemoration of domestic violence awareness, we are joining people of good will across the country to encourage generosity in support of those most impacted by the domestic violence. Because I know you care about The Ashley Renae Hamilton Foundation and our mission, I’m asking you to make a gift today that will ensure that vital services / resources for local domestic violence victims in crisis continue. Your generosity during this difficult time will be most appreciated and will have an immediate impact on the precious families that we serve.