Common Types of Injuries

• Bruises, scrapes, minor cuts, fractures or sprains, particularly to body torso.
• Injuries to the head (particularly the back where hair will cover the injury), chest, neck, breasts and abdomen.
• Strangulation - common in domestic violence.
• Injuries during pregnancy.
• Repeated injuries or multiple injuries.
• Evidence of prior or similar injuries.

The Stress Of Living With Ongoing Abuse May Cause:

• Imagined pain or pain due to widely distributed trauma without physical evidence.
• Gynecologic problems, frequent vaginal or urinary tract infections, pelvic pain.
• Frequent use of prescribed or over-the-counter tranquilizers or pain medications.
• Physical symptoms related to stress, chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, other anxiety disorders, or depression including: Fatigue, decreased concentration, chronic headaches, abdominal and gastrointestinal complaints,chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, numbness or tingling of extremities and difficulty breathing.

Behavioral Signs Of Domestic Violence:

1. Denial or minimization of violence by partner or victim.
2. Victim is overly apologetic for taking your time.
3. Exaggerated sense of personal responsibility for relationship, including self-blame for partner’s violence.
4. Reluctance of victim to speak in front of partner.
5. Intense irrational jealousy expressed by partner or reported by victim.
6. Partner accompanies victim, insists on staying close, or answers questions for her.

Psychological Symptoms Of Domestic Violence

• Feelings of isolation and inability to cope.
• Suicide attempts or gestures.
• Panic attacks and other anxiety symptoms.
• Alcohol or drug abuse.
• Post-traumatic stress reactions or disorder.

An Abuser’s Use Of Control Within A Relationship May Result In:

• Lack of transportation, access to finances, or ability to communicate by telephone.
• Limited access to routine or emergency medical care.
• Noncompliance with treatment regimens.
• Not being allowed to obtain or take prescribed medication.