You currently live in a stable family environment and want the same thing for your relatives. Unfortunately, you suspect this is not the case for your family member.
You have a suspicion that they are being subjected to domestic violence, and you’re looking for ways to confirm this. Outlined below are some of the more common warning signs of domestic abuse.
The physical signs
The first thing you want to think about is the physical signs of domestic abuse. When you meet your family member for a coffee, do they refuse to take their shades off? Often, people do this when trying to conceal the bruising their eyes have suffered after a violent incident. Are they constantly covered in bruises and putting them down to their own clumsiness? It’s important to trust your instincts in these scenarios. If you suspect that something is off, then you are probably correct.
Emotional clues
Of course, not all domestic violence is physical. Victims may also be subjected to intense emotional abuse and manipulation. Has your family member started to break your weekly routine of going out for a coffee? Are you struggling to reach them on the phone? Becoming withdrawn from the rest of society is often a sign that something is seriously wrong at home.
You may feel at a loss when it comes to helping a family member who has been subjected to domestic abuse. It’s important to remember that help is out there, and your relative has a host of legal rights at their disposal.