What are warning signs of a DA perpetrator?
What are warning signs of a DA perpetrator?
October is Domestic Abuse awareness month. Perpetrators hide in plain sight, and they can be hard to spot. Good news is, there are clear signs
Warning signs of a DA perpetrator
- Jealous
- Controlling
- Relationship moves fast
- Extravagant gifts/shows of generosity that make the partner feel uncomfortable
- Selfish
- Blame-shifting (often to partner)
- Lying
- Distorted view of reality
- Substance misuse/gambling
- Jekyll and Hyde
- Double standards
- Speaks disrespectfully about their exes
- Unrealistic expectations
- Isolates partner from friends/family
- Crosses sexual boundaries
Supporting a friend who is being abused
- Be the opposite of the abuser – be kind, respectful, and non-judgemental
- Don’t tell them what to do, they get enough from the perp – ask them what they think
- Don’t judge them, understand they’re in a really awful position – avoid “why” questions and support their decision, even if you think it’s wrong
- Don't ever, ever, EVER tell them to “just leave” – it’s destructive
- Remember, no matter how much you see, you’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg – there will be a lot that your friend is hiding