Eight Subtle Signs of Domestic Abuse

Situations involving domestic violence are unfortunately common in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Florida. Victims in these cases are often hesitant to come forward out of fear that the situation will escalate or that they will not be believed. In some cases, confusion over the types of behavior that constitute abuse cause people to remain in a relationship long after it has become safe to do so. The following highlight eight subtle signs of domestic abuse, which are harmful in themselves and can lead to more serious altercations further down the line.

Know the Signs of Domestic Violence and Abuse 

According to the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV), more than 100,000 cases of family and partner abuse are reported in our state each year, resulting in over 60,000 arrests. People often think of domestic abuse as involving only physical altercations, such as when one partner hits, punches, kicks, or makes threats of violence against the other. However, the fact is that domestic abuse is often about exerting power over the other person, and it can take non-physical forms as well. In addition to causing serious emotional harm to the victim, these types of actions can be a precursor to actual acts of violence further down the line.

Identifying verbal, emotional, or financial abuse can prove challenging, as the person perpetrating the abuse is likely to be defensive and claim they only act the way they do out of love or a desire to keep their partner ‘safe’. To protect yourself, the National Domestic Violence Hotline advises being aware of the following subtle signs of abuse:

1. Making decisions without consulting with you and without considering your individual needs;
2. Controlling the finances in your relationship and making you ask for money to meet your daily needs;
3. Being adamantly against or actually prohibiting you from getting a job or attending school;
4. Constantly questioning your relationships with friends and family members;
5. Monitoring your mail, phone calls, and texts;
6. Spying on you online or controlling your access to the internet;
7. Refusing to listen to your viewpoint or getting overly angry when discussing problems in your relationship;
8. Constantly demeaning you or engaging in name calling or put downs.

All of these types of actions can be considered warning signs and have the potential to grow into more physical types of abuse. On their own, they indicate overly demanding behavior. In this type of situation, you are justified in seeking outside help or even ending the relationship.

Let Us Help You Today

If you are in a relationship that is showing signs of domestic violence or abuse, it is important to realize you are not alone.  There are numerous steps you can take to protect yourself, and plenty of agencies available to support you in the effort. Our Fort Lauderdale domestic violence attorney is here to help in these situations. To request a one on one confidential consultation to discuss your case and some of the options available, contact attorney Vanessa L. Prieto today.

Resource:

fcadv.org/resources/floridas-domestic-violence-statistics