RED FLAGS OF ABUSE
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​Red Flags of Abuse
Abuse isn’t always visible. It doesn’t always leave bruises. It can take many forms — emotional, financial, psychological, or physical — and it often starts subtly.
Recognizing the early signs of abuse can be the first step to getting help or helping someone else. If you see these red flags, speak up, reach out, and know that support is available.
Common Signs & Red Flags
Control
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Dictating who you can see, where you can go, or what you can wear
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Monitoring your phone, messages, or location
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Demanding constant check-ins or proof of whereabouts
Financial Abuse
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Controlling all money or preventing you from working
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Forcing you to account for every cent spent
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Opening credit cards or accounts in your name
Threats and Intimidation
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Threatening to harm you, your loved ones, pets, or themselves
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Destroying belongings to create fear
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Using body language, gestures, or silence to intimidate
Isolation
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Cutting you off from friends, family, or support systems
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Making you feel guilty for spending time with other
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Moving you away from familiar places
Verbal and Emotional Abuse
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Constant criticism, insults, or name-calling
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Gaslighting: making you doubt your own memories or reality
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Public humiliation or private threats
Weapons & Physical Violence
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Displaying or using weapons to control or scare
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Grabbing, pushing, hitting, or restraining
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Forcing sexual activity or consent under fear
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You Are Not Alone
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available.
Take the first step. Speak with someone you trust. Call a professional. You deserve safety. You deserve peace.
NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE
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