Warning Signs of Domestic Abuse*

The abused woman:

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 a poor self-concept (this may not have been true BEFORE the relationship).
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.
Has learned to feel helpless and feels powerless.
Has unexplained injuries that may go untreated.

Shows extreme jealousy and wants to keep the woman isolated.
Shows an inability to cope with stress and demonstrates 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; abuse of alcohol or other substances, unemployment, cruelty to animals, and other unexplained behavior.

* From the Women's Rural Advocacy Programs. WRAP is a collective of five offices serving five counties in southwestern Minnesota.