RECOGNIZING THE WARNING SIGNS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
“Every year, millions of domestic violence victims suffer from the horrors of abuse alone,” according to the City of Chicago Police Department. “Having been isolated by their abusers from friends and family, many are disconnected from sources of support, strength and safety.” That often leaves victims of domestic violence trapped in a world of silence and abuse. By recognizing the warning signs of domestic violence and reaching out to a friend or family member who is suffering, you may be able to break the cycle of abuse and isolation.
If you think a friend or family member is a victim of domestic violence, consider the following questions:
If you believe that a friend or family member is the victim of domestic violence or abuse, there are several things you can do to help, and it starts with being a HEALER:
Rainbow House can help too. Our mission, as one of the oldest domestic violence services organizations in the City of Chicago, is to offer violence prevention and outreach services to individuals, families and communities in need.
Return to Homepage | Read Obtaining an Order of Protection
“Every year, millions of domestic violence victims suffer from the horrors of abuse alone,” according to the City of Chicago Police Department. “Having been isolated by their abusers from friends and family, many are disconnected from sources of support, strength and safety.” That often leaves victims of domestic violence trapped in a world of silence and abuse. By recognizing the warning signs of domestic violence and reaching out to a friend or family member who is suffering, you may be able to break the cycle of abuse and isolation.
If you think a friend or family member is a victim of domestic violence, consider the following questions:
- Is the friend or family member clearly intimidated by a partner?
- Does he or she become quiet and withdrawn when an intimate partner is nearby?
- Does a friend or family member show up with unexplained bruises or injuries?
- Is he or she afraid or fearful of upsetting an intimate partner?
- Does a friend or family member dismiss domestic violence as a “non-issue” or as something that is not a problem for him or her?
- Does the intimate partner of a friend or family member criticize him or her in front of others?
- Does the intimate partner of a friend or family member try to control the friend or family member’s behavior or choices?
- Does the intimate partner of a friend or family member violently lose his or her temper?
- Does the intimate partner of a friend or family member seem to always be checking up on the friend or family member?
- Does the intimate partner of a friend or family member insist on being in constant contact with the friend or family member?
- Is the intimate partner of a friend or family member obsessive or extremely jealous?
If you believe that a friend or family member is the victim of domestic violence or abuse, there are several things you can do to help, and it starts with being a HEALER:
- Help a friend or family member who is experiencing abuse or domestic violence understand that he or she has legal options, such as an Order of Protection, which may be extended by the court to cover children, family members and even employers;
- Educate yourself about the social, legal and individual dynamics of domestic violence so that you can help a friend or family member to understand that control, intimidation and/or abuse are not love;
- Ask the friend or family member about your concerns. Sometimes just knowing that another person understands is enough to help a victim of domestic violence overcome feelings of loneliness and despair;
- Listen to a friend or family member should he or she decide to talk about the abuse. Be compassionate. Note an understanding of his or her concerns. But also explain that the abuse or domestic violence is not his or her fault. Provocation is an excuse. Abuse is a choice;
- Elevate the discussion of domestic violence to the ways in which a friend or family member can be made safe, which may include contacting agencies such as Rainbow House to develop a safety strategy and exit plan for victims and their children; and,
- Respect that only the friend or family member can make the final decision about his or her life. But by being there when that decision is made, you can help.
Rainbow House can help too. Our mission, as one of the oldest domestic violence services organizations in the City of Chicago, is to offer violence prevention and outreach services to individuals, families and communities in need.
Return to Homepage | Read Obtaining an Order of Protection