Domestic Violence: Signs And Steps To Protect Yourself

1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience violence from their partners in their lifetimes.  Being able to tell the difference between healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships can be more difficult than you would think.

No two relationships are the same, so what’s unhealthy in one relationships may be abusive in the next. Although there are many signs to pay attention to in a relationship, look for these common warning signs of dating abuse:

     •Checking cell phones, emails or social networks without permission

     •Extreme jealousy or insecurity

     •Constant belittling or put-downs

     •Explosive temper

     •Isolation from family and friends

     •Making false accusations

     •Erratic mood swings

     •Physically inflicting pain or hurt in any way

     •Possessiveness

     •Telling someone what to do

     •Repeatedly pressuring someone to have sex

If you or someone you know sees the warning signs in their relationship, take these steps to show support and offer help:

     •Acknowledge that they are in a very difficult and scary situation, be supportive and listen.

     •Be non-judgmental.

     •If they end the relationship, continue to be supportive of them.

     •Encourage them to participate in activities outside of the relationship with friends and family.

     •Help them develop a safety plan.

     •Encourage them to talk to people who can provided help and guidance.  List of local resources can be found here:  www.ocadvsa.org/local-resources/

     •Remember that you cannot “Rescue” them.

Together we can #TakeAStand.  Together we can end domestic violence. 

Tune into to News 9 at 10:00 p.m. tonight as Amanda Taylor takes look into the growing domestic abuse problem in Oklahoma.

Information for this story was found using the following resources: 

http://www.breakthecycle.org/

http://nomore.org/

http://www.thehotline.org/