There is no way TO BE 100% if someone is being abused physically or mentally in a relationship. People who are abused and people who abuse , come in all races, religions and walks of life . Battered women are not always passive with low self-esteem, and batterers are not always violent or hateful to their partner in front of others. Most people experiencing relationship violence do not tell others what goes on at home. So how do you tell?
The Abusive Man:
Hows extreme jealousy and wants to keep the woman isolated.
Has an inability to cope with stress and shows a lack of impulse control. (This may not necessarily appear outside the home)
Has a poor self-image and blames others for problems.
Shows severe mood swings.
May have a history of abuse in his own family and may have been abusive in courtship.
Presents a history of personal and/or family discord; unemployment, Cruelty to animals, abuse of alcohol or other substances, and other unexplained behavior.
The Abused Women:
Has injuries and always has an excuses.
May miss a lot of time at work to hide busing or black eyes.
Low self esteem.
Has learned to feel helpless and feels powerless.
Has unexplained injuries that may go untreated.
usually get accused of having an affair.
Personality may sometimes change to shy and quiet around their partner.
Shows guilt, ambivalence, and fear over living conditions.
Feels isolated and untrusting of others, even though she may be involved in the community.
Is emotionally and economically dependent.
Has observed other women in her family being abused or may have been abused as a child.
Feels angry, embarrassed, and ashamed.
Is fearful of being insane.
