Is your friend, teen or child being abused?

When you think someone close to you is in trouble, sometimes it’s hard to know the right thing to say or do.  If you’re not sure, but you suspect there is a problem, trust your instincts.  Take the chance and talk with your friend or family member if you suspect abuse.  Sometimes having someone you can trust to talk to can be the difference between life and death.  You don’t have to be an expert in domestic violence; you just need to be a good listener.

Signs to look for that might indicate an abusive relationship:

1. Does your friend’s partner get very jealous and angry when she talks with or spends time with others?
2. Does your friend’s partner put her down or humiliate her in public?
3. When you ask her to go out does she always make an excuse about why she can’t go?
4. Has your friend ever had an injury or bruise but the explanation of how it happened doesn’t make sense?
5. Does she talk about things her partner does that worry you but she makes excuses for him?
6. Does she have to ask permission to spend money even on little things?
7. Does she seem depressed or have frequent problems with sleeping or eating?
8. Does her partner lose his temper and throw or break things?
   

There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One is roots; the other, wings -- Hodding Carter.