know the signs of abuse

When people think of domestic violence, they usually think of the battered woman. What many people don’t realize is that not all abuse leaves bruises and is not confined to heterosexual relationships. If you are you being abused or suspect you know someone who is, consider the following:

Economic or financial abuse includes:

• Controlling of your finances.
• Withholding money or credit cards.
• Making you account for every penny you spend.
• Withholding basic necessities (food, clothes, medications, shelter).
• Restricting you to an allowance.
• Preventing you from working or choosing your own career.
• Sabotaging your job (making you miss work, calling constantly)
• Stealing from you or taking your money.

Emotional abuse includes:

• Verbal abuse such as yelling, name-calling, shaming, and blaming
• Isolation
• Threatening to out you or reveal your secrets
• Intimidation and controlling behavior
• Stalking and harassment
• Using the children against you

Physical abuse includes:

• hitting
• kicking
• biting
• pinching
• slapping
• punching
• hair pulling
• burning
• forced sex
• withholding medical attention
• exposing you to harsh elements (for instance locking you out in the cold)