Franciscan Peacemakers - Milwaukee Wisconsin

Resources > Domestic Violence

<< Back to Domestic Violence Index

Red Flags For Domestic Abuse of Women

Situational Indicators

Inquire more closely if a person denies abuse but:

	has unexplained injuries
	explanation of injury seems implausible
	avoids eye contact
	seems agitated or more upset than injuries would warrant
	has a history of repeated visits to ER with chronic injuries and vague complaints
	there is a considerable delay in seeking treatment
	the partner accompanies the patient and insists on staying close or is overly solicitous and is eager to explain and answer all the questions for her

Physical and Medical Indicators

Common injured areas of the body for battered women:

Look for:

	burns		whip-like bruises
	choke marks on neck		grab marks on arms
	swollen/tender areas		multiple sites of injury
	repeated/chronic injury		fractures and sprains
	atypical chest pain		pelvic pain
	bruises at different stages of healing		contusions, abrasions, minor lacerations
	abdominal-gastrointestinal complaints		palpitations, dizziness, paresthesia, dyspnea
	gynecological problems, vaginal/urinary tract infections

Emotional Indicators

	attempted suicide		inability to cope
	symptoms of depression/anxiety		feelings of isolation
	panic attacks		decreased concentration
	sleeplessness, fatigue		chronic pain
	appetite disturbance		suicidal feelings
	drug or alcohol abuse		post-traumatic stress reactions

Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women: Information from AMA Diagnostic and Treatment Guidelines on Domestic Violence.