Warning Signs for Domestic Violence

• Has exhibited prior violent or threatening behavior to family and friends
• Is easily prone to anger–for example, he or she hits walls or drives dangerously
• Is very controlling, and tries to make all decisions
• Is attempting to isolate his or her partner, by keeping the partner from seeing friends and family
• Blames others for his or her own mistakes
• Is very moody – can switch quickly from being nice to being enraged
• Calls his or her partner names--for example, “stupid,” “bitch”, or other expletives
• Is extremely jealous, and makes frequent accusations of being unfaithful
• Is cruel to animals
• Abuses drugs or alcohol
• Is experiencing economic hardship or prolonged unemployment
• Was (or is) abused by his or her own parent, or witnessed abuse of others as a child

Sources: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Turning Point Services, Health First, ABA Commission on Domestic Violence