The Warning Signs of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence and domestic abuse are terms that are often used interchangeably to refer to forceful behavior by a partner. This can occur through hurting someone’s body, but also trying to control their emotions and their actions. Because of the controlling nature of domestic violence, victims don’t always see what their partner is doing to them, seek out help, or try to leave the situation. It’s important to know what indicators to look for in both your own relationships and in the relationships of those close to you. Here are some common warning signs of domestic violence and actions you can take to help:

Warning Signs in Your Own Relationship

• You are bullied or threatened by your partner
• Your partner attempts to control you and your actions
• Your partner controls your money, won’t let you access it, or steals it from you
• You are cut off from your family and friends by your partner
• You are physically abused by your partner
• You are sexually abused by your partner

Warning Signs in Other Relationships

• This person makes excuses for injuries
• This person goes through personality changes, such as a confident person suddenly having low self-esteem
• This person is constantly checking in with their partner
• This person never has any money on hand
• This person is overly concerned with pleasing their partner
• This person skips out on school, work, or social outings for no obvious reason
• This person wears improper clothing for the weather/season, such as long sleeves or sweatshirts when it is hot

How to Help

If you suspect someone is a victim of domestic violence or notice any of these warning signs in someone you know, follow these steps to try and help them:

• Ask them if anything is wrong
• Tell them exactly why you are concerned
• Listen to them carefully
• Offer them your help
• Let them know that you are always available to talk and that your conversations are always private
• Support the person’s choices

If you think you or someone else is in immediate danger call 911. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. One of their advocates will help figure out the necessary actions for your specific situation. Visit their website to find more resources for domestic violence victims and those trying to help them. 

The International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) advocates for the rights of all uprooted people, including victims of domestic violence. We’ve started an online awareness campaign to prevent child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and domestic violence among refugee communities in Malaysia and around the world. Our other efforts include: supporting survivors of sexual or gender-based violence, fostering the integration of migrant survivors of human trafficking, working for better protection of labor migrants, and championing the causes of these often unseen people deprived of basic rights. We need your help to achieve our goals. Visit our website and learn how you can help end this humanitarian crisis.

About the International Catholic Migration Commission

The International Catholic Migration Commission is a nonprofit organization that protects, serves, and advocates for displaced people throughout the world. We help refugees, asylum-seekers, victims of human trafficking, and migrants of all faiths, races, and ethnicities forge lives in safety and dignity.

With support from people like you, ICMC delivers humanitarian aid and social development, protects vulnerable migrants, contributes to refugee resettlement efforts, advocates before governments, and partners with civic leaders. We seek a sustainable solution to dangerous migration and refugee crises.

Find out more by visiting our website.