| Domestic violence is very difficult to tell. There is no | | | | Low Self-esteem - Many victims of domestic |
| one type of person that fits the profile of battery. | | | | violence have very low self-esteem and self-worth. |
| There is no type of person that is definitively an | | | | They do not think they matter or are not very |
| abuser. Not all abused women are those who look | | | | confident at work and in school. They feel powerless |
| like they have no sense of self-worth. Most people | | | | and they think they have no choice but to stay in |
| cannot tell whether one person is a victim of | | | | the relationship. |
| domestic violence. Here are some things to look for | | | | Fear of Conflicts - Battered women and children |
| so you can tell if someone is a victim of violence at | | | | are generally afraid of conflicts because from their |
| home: | | | | experience, this might lead to assault and battery. |
| Possible signs of Domestic Violence | | | | Changing Personality - Some people who appear |
| Injuries and Bruises - These may occur in some | | | | confident and normal around other people might be |
| cases and they might not. If there are bruises in | | | | acting differently when they are with their abuser or |
| parts of the body that are easily seen, the abuser | | | | attacker. Victims find it easier to adapt a different |
| wants the victim to feel trapped, isolated, and have | | | | personality around other people than to answer |
| nowhere to go. Assault might be the last thing the | | | | questions about absences or bruises. |
| victim will give as a reason. They will make excuses | | | | Self Blame - Battered women are always making |
| like being really clumsy or bumping into objects. They | | | | excuses for their boyfriends or husbands and blaming |
| will only reveal the truth if they really want to get | | | | themselves. Victims might blame themselves instead |
| out of the relationship. | | | | of the partner. |
| Frequent Absences - This is related to the | | | | These abusive or violent behaviors can be helped and |
| assault or battery the victim might be receiving. If | | | | changed with therapy. Individual and family therapy |
| the beating is severe, they might take time off from | | | | can be explored and should be used as more and |
| work or school. Excuses, bruises, and many absences | | | | more people fall victim to domestic abuse. |
| are very evident signs of violence at home. | | | | |