Police Department

Victim Assistance Program

Warning Signs
Survival Tips
Success Story

Here are warning signs of an abusive relationship. If you have experienced any or all of these signs you have been victimized.

Isolation: From family and friends.
Controlling: By constantly demanding your time, monitoring conversations and meetings.
Unrealistic Rules: For the victim to abide by. The abuser will continually change the rules to justify the abuse.
Humiliation / Intimidation: Criticizing appearance and accomplishments, shame either privately or publicly with a constant threat of harm.
Induces Guilt: Continues to blame others for their own mistakes, requests apologies frequently.
Financial / Physical Restriction: Prevent working, withhold money, destroy property, and restricted to leave residence.
Physical / Sexual Harm: Slapping, kicking, hitting, spitting, pushing, biting, unwanted or forced sexual activity.

Children who have witnessed abuse within the home will have the following symptoms:

Sadness Passive Fear Low Self-Esteem Anxious Bedwetting

Depressed Guilt Frustration Aggressive Nightmares