Welcome back to our blog! Did you know October is the official month for domestic abuse awareness? Each year one day in October is chosen to wear purple to help raise awareness and this year it’ll be October 19th.
Let’s take a look at some signs that a friend or loved one is in a domestic abusive relationship. Knowing the signs could help someone you love understand that their situation is not healthy and it could ultimately save their life!
- Change in behavior
Having a change in normal behavior can be a sign that a loved one is being abused by someone in their family. You may notice the person begin to wear clothing that covers their arms and legs, regardless of the weather. They may start to isolate themselves, start to become late to appointments or work, begin to have more bruises, cut lips, or other physical injuries that are not normal for that them.
- Isolation
Isolation is a common tactic in domestic abuse. The abuser will often isolate the person from their loved ones by moving them to a place in which no family is present, causing arguments and fights with the family and friends, or threatening the abused if they reach out. Signs of isolation can be seen from the abused in the following way; continued cancelation of plans, moving away from family and friends, they stop talking about their personal life, and they could become more distant and reserved.
- Bruises or other physical injury
Physical harm is more apparent than mental, but often the signs are hidden. Bruises are common on everyone, but constant bruising, bruises that are at different stages of healing, and using ways to hide the physical harm are all signs that a person is being physically abused. Other physical injury, such as broken bones, can be another indication of abuse.
- Showing fear
Showing fear where there once was none is a significant indicator. If your friend or loved one has begun to show fear toward the abuser, please do not ignore it. Signs that they are afraid may include the person being anxious or nervous when the abuser is not around them, are afraid of how their actions will affect the abuser’s moods, they could cower in front of the person, and even dismiss when other people bring up the idea of them being in an abusive situation.
Children, the elderly, and spouses are all at risk of domestic violence and it is important to understand the signs so that everyone has a fighting chance at getting out of their bad situations. Helping them find the resources they need to get out of the control of another, and into a safe environment, is important. This Thursday, I would like to encourage everyone to stand together and wear purple for the people who do not have their own voices. Wearing purple is a symbol of courage, peace, honor, survival, and your own personal dedication to domestic violence awareness.
If you feel that a loved one is being abused physically or emotionally, be there for them. Included is a list of resources that can help them gain their freedom and safety.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline:
800-799-7233
They are open 24/7 and offer services for English, Spanish and 200+ through interpretation service.
- SAFV Task Force in Evanston Wyoming
350 City View Dr Ste 203, Evanston, WY 82930 Phone: 307-789-3628
- SAFV Task Force in Lyman Wyoming
100 E. Sage St, Lyman, WY 82937 Phone: 307-787-6899
Written by: Vanessa Probert