The 8 Warning Signs of Domestic Abuse

This is a collaborative post.

One cause that is close to my heart is making people more aware of domestic abuse.

It is something I went through between the ages of 18 and 21, until I was given a space in a refuge and came to learn more about the cycle of abuse, how to spot it and the fact that I was easy pickings for anyone who was an abuser.

You can find out more about My Story by reading some of my posts on domestic violence here on the blog.

One thing it is important for anyone to realise is there are aspects to domestic violence we can learn to look out for. While we can also make people aware there are claims company abuse claims UK who can help people who have been affected by all sorts of different abuse. 

It is worth remembering as well that domestic violence and other types of abuse do not have to be physical. 

Types of Domestic Abuse.

There is a range of abusive situations people can end up in those can include: 

• Physical Abuse – not only hitting but examples include; restraining, pinching, shoving, throwing objects etc (often claiming somethings are a “joke”). 
• Emotional Abuse – examples include; name-calling, gaslighting. 
• Sexual Abuse – not all sexual abuse is physical. Sometimes you can be coerced or manipulated into doing things you don’t want to.
• Financial Abuse – examples include; putting you into debt, stopping you working, taking all your wages. 
• Coercive Control – when a pattern of control is established over time. 
• Tech Abuse – examples include; abusive texts, spying on you, tracking you or sharing images.   

Of course, it isn’t just about knowing the types of abuse it is also about knowing how to recognise them. After all, abusers are good at hiding who they are to draw you in. 

In fact, often abusers can seem like the perfect partner to start with. Showering you in love and gifts. 

The 8 Warning Signs of Domestic Abuse.

So what are the 8 warning signs of domestic abuse?

For those who cannot read the images however they include;

• Intensity – is the person over the top? Are they lying or exaggerating things? Are they bombarding you with texts or gifts? Tracking your every move? Are they switching between being charming and abusive?
• Jealousy – are they irrationally jealous? Do they become angry and/or accuse you of cheating and resenting you spending time with friends and family? Demanding to know every detail of your life?
• Control – Telling you how to dress, speak or even think. Do they turn up invited? Are they always checking your phone? Do they follow you? Are they controlling with money or sexually coercive? 
• Isolation – Do they insist that you spend all your time with them? Are they making you dependent on them? Do they stop you seeing friends and family? 
• Criticism – Do they call you names? Say your overweight, stupid, ugly, crazy. Do they ridicule you for things, like your friends or ambitions? Are they brain-washing you to feel worthless? 
• Sabotage – Do they make you miss work/school by starting an argument. Are they needy when you are busy with other things or doing well? Do they hide your money/keys or important items? Are they destroying your self-esteem? 
• Blame – Do they make you feel guilty and responsible for their actions? Is everything your fault? 
• Anger – Do they overreact to small problems? Have frequent outbursts? Do they threaten to harm you or pick fights, making you feel afraid? 

Getting Help.

These are just a few things you can look out for and of course, some of the things I have mentioned can be just fine. The odd gift, after all, is wonderful.

However, I had an abusive partner who would buy things as a “sorry” or near the beginning was very much look at what I’m buying you and what it costs. At the time I thought it was sweet to get gifts, now looking back I realise his way of doing it was wrong. No one gives a gift and makes a song and dance of how much it cost, or how often they are given. 

If you are here in the UK and need to reach out to someone, Refuge is a great charity that will help you get help. 

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