9 Warning Signs of Domestic Violence
- Posted by Sarah Swiston
- On November 2, 2022
- Chicago, chicago metropolitan area, Chicago suburbs, Domestic Violence, domestic violence agency, domestic violence organization, domestic violence red flags, domestic violence warning signs, DV agency, dv red flags, dv survivors, dv warning signs, End Domestic Violence, Housing Programs, northwest chicago, red flags, Shelters, warning signs, WINGS, WINGS Program
While no relationship is perfect, it is crucial to know how to identify abuse. Domestic Violence can take many forms and builds over time. Below are 9 warning signs of domestic violence.
1.Damaging your self-confidence and self-worth.
Some examples include telling you that you never do anything right and laughing at you. Abusers may even insult, demean, or shame you in front of other people. Often targeting your vulnerabilities, abusers may ridicule your personal or cultural values or your parenting approach.
2. Showing excessive jealousy and possessiveness.
Abusers will be jealous of your relationship with your family, friends, peers, or child.
3. Restricting Relationships.
Abusers will prevent or discourage you from spending time with your family and friends. Some abusers may deny access to spiritual traditions or events.
4. Making and breaking promises constantly.
Abusers may make false promises to control you and manipulate the situation.
5. Controlling household finances without your input.
Financial exploitation can include taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessities. Abusers may prevent you from making your own decisions about working or attending school.
6. Won’t take “No” for an answer.
Often abusive relationships will have an unequal balance of power, which may look like abusers getting angry whenever you voice your opinion or express concerns. Some abusers may pressure you to participate in sexual activity you are not comfortable with. Other abusers may pressure you to use drugs or alcohol.
7. Destructive Temper.
Abusers may have a temper that escalates quickly. They may destroy your belongings or your home.
8. Intimidating you using fear and threats.
Abusers often use fear and threats to control you, often saying they will spread rumors about you, take away your children or pets, or physically harm you or a family member.
Some use threatening looks or actions or intimidate you with weapons like guns, knives, bats, or mace.
9. Resorting to Physical Harm.
It is never acceptable for someone to slap, punch, choke, grab, spit on, or kick you. This is abuse.
Unhealthy Relationships Vs. Healthy Relationships
| Unhealthy Relationship | Healthy Relationship | |
| Using emotional abuse | Respect | |
| Minimizing, denying, and blaming | Honesty and accountability | |
| Using children | Responsible parenting | |
| Using isolation | Trust and support | |
| Economic abuse | Economic partnership | |
| Using privilege | Shared responsibilities | |
| Using coercion and threats | Negotiation and fairness | |
| Using intimidation | Non-threatening behavior |
Help is available!
If you think you may be in an abusive relationship, WINGS is available to help.
The agency’s comprehensive approach ranges from emergency Safe Houses, Transitional Housing, Community-Based Services including mentorship and hospital partnerships and comprehensive children’s services. Click here to learn more.
Domestic Violence 24-Hr Hotline: 847.221.5680
To learn more about Counseling and/or Mentoring, call WINGS Intake Line: (847) 519-7828
The Intake Line is answered by trained crisis workers Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. If you should call outside of these hours, please leave a message and a worker will return your call the next business day.
Learn ways you can make a difference for Domestic Violence Survivors:
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