Warning Signs

Other signs which help identify whether someone is being abused, or has the mindset to
become a person who abuses are the following. While one characteristic in itself does
not necessarily mean the person qualifies, several qualities combined would beg the need
for further investigation.



The one who is abused:

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.


The abusive partner:

shows extreme jealousy and wants to keep the woman/man isolated.
has an inability to cope with stress and shows 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 their own family and may have been abusive
 in courtship.
presents a history of personal and/or family discord; unemployment,
 cruelty to animals, abuse of alcohol or other substances, and other
 unexplained behavior.