Knowing the Warning Signs of Domestic Violence Could Save You or Your Friends

It is unfortunate that 243 million women and girls experience intimate partner violence each year. Being aware of some of the early warning signs of domestic abuse could potentially save you if you find yourself in a toxic relationship, or could help you save a friend in a potentially violent situation.

One of the earliest warning signs of an abusive partner is that they are jealous of any time you spend that is not with them. This could be with friends, co-workers, even family members! In their jealousy, they can embarrass, shame, or even blame you for their anger. This anger can escalate to threats of violence, or even intentional damage to property. It is important that if your partner ever threatens violence, or actually commits an act of abuse on you, you should report the incident immediately. 
Often, victims do not report their abuse due to social embarrassment or fear of their abuser. Only about half of domestic violence incidents get reported, and only 34% of people who suffer an injury due to domestic violence receive medical care. If you experience an act of domestic violence or know that a friend is in an abusive relationship, you can report it to the national domestic violence hotline to learn about resources closest to you. To learn more about how to find resources to combat domestic abuse, take a look at the infographic below:

Domestic Violence: How You Can Help