Looking For the Symptoms of Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a subject that needs to come out of the closet and discussed openly.
It is a seriously dangerous and degrading way of life for any woman caught in this "steel trap".
If you've heard both terms "domestic violence" and "domestic abuse" and are wondering what the difference is, it is really quite simple.
Domestic abuse is a means of controlling an intimate partner by way of emotionally and psychologically beating her down verbally and with looks of disgust or disdain.
Domestic violence is domestic abuse taken up a few notches to include physical injury and possibly death.
Both are abusive and no one in a relationship should be subject to either.
No one should have to fear the one they live with and maybe even still love.
Do you know of someone who you suspect may be suffering from domestic abuse or violence? Maybe someone at work whom you were close friends with who no longer seems to want to be your friend, who seems to not want to have any friends? Of course no one can possibly know what happens in a relationship once the door has been closed and the shades drawn.
But there are signs to look for that could indicate your friend is being emotionally or physically abused.

• Does she come to work with bruises or other injuries and dismiss them as happening from some accident - "ran into the door", "tripped over a toy", etc.
  ?
• Does she seem worried about pleasing or not pleasing her partner?
• Does she call her husband often from work to check in with him to let him know where she is and when she'll be home?
• Does she receive many phone calls from her partner throughout the day?
• Does she agree with everything her spouse does and says when they are out together in public?
• Does she ever discuss her partner's jealousy or temper?
• Does she call in sick to work frequently or miss social occasions without giving any reason?
• Does she wear a turtle neck sweater on a warm day to hide the finger marks on her neck or wear sunglasses indoors to hide the black eye?

These are all signs that your friend is possibly being abused by her live-in companion, either emotionally or physically.
Take it very seriously.
Don't accept her "accident" theory if you suspect it to be more than that.
Does your once outgoing friend now hang her head in shame and seem depressed and withdrawn? Don't let her fall into the clutches of this terrible fate.
Do something! Ask her if anything is wrong.
Let her know you care and that you are always available to listen if she just needs to talk to someone.
Assure her that whatever is said will go no further than you.
Offer to help in any way you can.
Don't judge or give advice.
Just be there and be available when the time comes that she is ready to admit there is a problem and she needs to escape.
The warning signs and symptoms are numerous and fairly obvious if you know this person very well.
Heed them.
Help her before it is too late.
Domestic violence is like a freight train.
It starts out slow but gains speed and strength..
..
and if the brakes don't work, it will end in tragedy.