Indicators of Family Violence

The indicators of family violence are not always obvious. Care must also be taken not to jump to conclusions, because some of the indicators may be attributable to other causes. However if there is a pattern or history of these indicators, there may be a history of abuse.

Women

• Physical injury including bruising (especially to chest, breasts, abdomen, and genitals), broken bones, burn marks.
• Abused women are more likely to experience chronic pain.
• Greater risk of suicide attempts.
• High risk of substance (alcohol and drug) abuse.
• Depression, panic phobia, anxiety, sleeping disorders, emotional problems.
• Higher rates of miscarriage (pregnancy is often a time when family violence begins or is exacerbated).
• Frequent diagnoses of vague complaints and use of minor tranquillizers and pain killers.
• High stress levels.
• Fewer coping and problem solving skills.
• Social isolation, (including from family support).

Children

• Low birth weight for gestational age.
• Physical injuries, bruising, burns, injuries to genitals (particularly with implausible explanations).
• Prone to adjustment problems.
• Depression.
• Low self esteem.
• Nervous and withdrawn demeanour.
• Headaches, abdominal complaints, asthma, peptic ulcers, stuttering.
• Bedwetting.
• Restlessness.
• Excessive cruelty to animals.
• Mimicking aggressive language and behaviour in their play.
• Decreased interpersonal sensitivity that is a reduction in ability to understand social situations, including thoughts and feelings of people involved.
• Lower social competency, particularly boys.
• Adjustment problems.
• Accident problems.
• Malnutrition.

Young people

• Physical injuries, bruising, burns, injuries to genitals (particularly with implausible explanations).
• School absenteeism.
• Self harming i.e. slashing, cutting.
• Drug use i.e. chroming, alcohol etc.
• Suicidal ideation and behaviour.
• Eating disorders.
• Hyper-vigilance or exaggerated startle response.
• Arrive early and /or stay late at school.
• Lack of enthusiasm or concentration.
• Depression, anxiety.
• Low self esteem.
• Nervous or withdrawn demeanour.
• Health complaints, such as headaches, abdominal problems, asthma, stuttering.
• Aggressive or violent behaviour.
• Addictive behaviour, e.g. over zealous sporting activities.
• Firelighting.
• Abuse of animals.
• Absconding behaviour.
• Social changes in school or work performance.
• Difficulties with trust in adults, emotional attachments and maintaining relationships.

(from the Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria training booklet, "Young People and Domestic Violence" - August 2006)