Domestic Violence Awareness: Recognizing Abuse and Supporting Survivors

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued in their relationships. Domestic violence can take away that sense of safety, sometimes through behaviors that are difficult to recognize or explain.

MAACA’s domestic violence awareness message centers on education, compassion, and support for survivors. By learning the warning signs and responding without judgment, we can help build communities where people feel less alone and more supported.

If you are experiencing abuse, it is not your fault. You deserve safety, and support is available—even if you are unsure what to do next.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence, also called relationship abuse or intimate partner violence, involves behaviors used to gain or maintain power and control over a partner. It is not limited to physical harm. Threats, isolation, financial control, and sexual pressure can also be warning signs of abuse.

A relationship does not have to involve visible injuries for someone to need help. Controlling who a person sees, limiting their access to money, or making them afraid to disagree can seriously affect their safety and independence.

Recognizing Different Forms of Abuse

Abusive behaviors can overlap. They may include:

• Physical abuse: Hitting, pushing, or other actions that cause physical harm.

• Emotional and verbal abuse: Insults, humiliation, threats, or repeated efforts to undermine someone’s confidence.

• Psychological abuse: Intimidation, manipulation, or controlling behavior that creates fear.

• Financial abuse: Taking someone’s money, controlling household finances without discussion, or withholding money for basic needs.

• Digital abuse: Using phones, online accounts, or other technology to monitor or control someone.

• Sexual abuse or coercion: Pressuring someone into sexual activity they do not want or are not comfortable with.

  
  

These behaviors are not signs of love or concern. They are reasons to take your feelings and safety seriously.

Warning Signs That Deserve Attention

Every relationship is different, but common warning signs include a partner who:

• Shows extreme jealousy about your friendships or time away from them.

• Discourages or prevents contact with friends, family, or other supportive people.

• Insults, shames, or repeatedly tells you that you do nothing right.

• Controls decisions about work, school, money, or everyday needs.

• Pressures you into sexual activity.

• Threatens you, your children, or your pets.

• Destroys belongings or uses weapons to intimidate you.

  
  

You do not need to experience every warning sign before reaching out. Even one or two of these behaviors can indicate that abuse may be present. An advocate can help you talk through your concerns and explore options.

How to Support Someone Experiencing Abuse

It can be painful to learn that someone you care about is being harmed. Your first instinct may be to tell them to leave or take over the situation. Support is more helpful when it respects the person’s choices and helps restore their sense of control.

Listen Without Blame

Start with simple, supportive words:

• “I believe you.”

• “This is not your fault.”

• “You deserve to be treated with respect.”

• “How can I support you?”

  
  

Avoid criticizing their decisions or making them feel guilty for staying, leaving, or returning to the relationship. Continue offering support without making it conditional on a particular choice.

Offer Practical Help—with Permission

Ask what would be useful rather than assuming. They may want help finding an advocate, transportation to an appointment, or someone to accompany them to a service provider. Respect their privacy, and do not post information online that could reveal their location or routines.

Support Their Decisions

You cannot “rescue” someone by making decisions for them. You can listen, help them explore resources, and support a safety plan that reflects their circumstances.

Safety Planning Is Personal

There is no single next step that fits every situation. A personalized safety plan can help someone think through ways to protect themselves while experiencing abuse, preparing for a change, or navigating life after a relationship. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers safety-planning support and connections to resources.

You do not need to have everything figured out before contacting an advocate. You can begin by describing what is happening and asking questions about your options.

A Note About Digital Safety

Phones, computers, and online activity can be monitored without your knowledge. Browsing history cannot always be completely erased. If you are concerned about monitoring, use a safer device that the abusive person cannot access when seeking help, if possible.

Where to Find Help

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support around the clock. Advocates can discuss concerns, help with safety planning, and connect people with community resources.

• Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

• Text: START to 88788

• Chat online: thehotline.org

  
  

The Hotline also offers a directory of local providers that may offer emergency shelter, counseling, legal-system navigation, and other support. Services and availability vary by provider.

If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Building a Community That Supports Survivors

MAACA’s awareness message calls on our community to educate, advocate, support, and empower. That begins with taking abuse seriously, respecting survivors’ choices, and making room for conversations without shame or blame.

If this article speaks to your situation, consider contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline when it is safe to do so. If you are supporting someone else, begin by listening and asking what they need.

Everyone deserves relationships grounded in respect—not fear.