Tips for Victims of IPV to Recognize Steps to Take
The National Domestic Violence Hotline presents the following tips to help victims to better understand if they are indeed victims of Intimate Personal Violence (IPV) https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/warning-signs-of-abuse/
Common signs of abusive behavior in a partner include:
Even one or two of these behaviors in a relationship is a red flag that abuse may be present.
Telling you that you never do anything right.
Showing extreme jealousy of your friends or time spent away from them.
Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with friends, family members, or peers.
Insulting, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in front of other people.
Preventing you from making your own decisions, including about working or attending school.
Controlling finances in the household without discussion, including taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses.
Pressuring you to have sex or perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with.
Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol.
Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions.
Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets.
Intimidating you with weapons like guns, knives, bats, or mace.
Destroying your belongings or your home.
Documenting the warning signs of dating abuse (in every form that it occurs) will help provide proof of your partner’s behavior if you ever need it, for legal reasons or otherwise.
For some survivors, it can simply be useful to validate your experience and process complex emotions.
Keeping a journal of what you experience, including descriptions of how the incident made you feel.
Writing down statements you, your partner, or any witnesses make before, during, or after the abuse.
Recording dates, times, and descriptions of incidents. If furniture is overturned or items were thrown, describe the scene and take photos of the damage.
Documenting any injuries, no matter how small (with photos if possible).
Seeking medical care, even if there are no visible injuries, especially if you have been strangled or choked.
Filing a report with the police, if you determine that it’s safe for you to do so.
Risk factors to consider when using drugs or alcohol include:
Emotions that may be stronger than usual or change quickly.
Bad or unsafe situations developing further, including an abusive partner’s escalation of force.
Individual or family histories of addiction among you or your partner(s).
Potential challenges leaving a bad or unsafe situation, including not being able to drive or find a trusted ride home, unfamiliarity with your surroundings, difficulty remembering important information, or fear of other people finding out about your situation.
