with Dr. Nancy Downing.

In this video, Dr. Nancy Downing, PHD, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P, FAAN, discusses signs of domestic violence.

Transcript

This is Dr. Downing, a forensic faculty member here at Texas A&M School of Nursing. Today’s topic will be about domestic violence. 

What are typical signs of abuse or red flags in a relationship?

Some of the signs of abuse in a relationship or red flags include somebody in the relationship who is excessively controlling, so they always want to know where the other person is, who they’re with, and what they’re doing. Isolating the person is another red flag, so for example, saying things like I don’t like your friends or I don’t like your family, or you spend too much time with them. And so making sure that that person does not have access to outside relationships. Another example is excessive jealousy, sometimes accusing them of cheating or flirting with other people. Other signs of domestic violence or abuse are constantly undermining or putting somebody down, undermining their self esteem, telling them that they’re not good enough, that they are ugly, that nobody else will love them. All of these signs are signs of an abuser’s attempt to control the other person and ensure that that person does not leave the relationship. Thank you.