Domestic violence is a pervasive epidemic that affects individuals across all demographics, often leaving people with physical as well as emotional scars. Recognizing the warning signs of domestic abuse and knowing where to turn for help are crucial to reducing harm when these situations arise. In this article, you’ll find common warning signs of domestic violence along with resources available to survivors.
Warning Signs
Domestic violence, or intimate partner violence, can encompass a wide range of abusive behaviors by one partner against another. Abuse can take the forms of physical, emotional, psychological, financial, sexual, and more. Domestic violence often escalates over time and can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, sex, sexual orientation, race, or socioeconomic status. Here are some common warning signs:
- Physical abuse: threatened or actual hitting, slapping, or any form of physical harm
- Emotional abuse: manipulation, belittling, name-calling, gaslighting, isolation from friends and family
- Financial abuse: restricting access to financial resources, preventing work, limiting educational opportunities
- Sexual abuse: coercion, guilt, or forced into unwanted sexual acts, denying access to reproductive health
If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs, it is important to seek help. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
Resources
Hotlines
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
- 800-799-7233
- Oregon Domestic Violence Services – Call to Safety
- 888-235-5333
Shelters and Services – Eugene
- Hope & Safety Alliance
- Shelter
- Hotline
- Safety planning
- Assistance with restraining orders
- SASS – Sexual Assault Support Services
- Hotline
- Judicial advocacy
- Counseling services
- Lane County Victim Services Division