Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling behaviors—violence or threats of violence—that one person uses to establish power over an intimate partner in order to control that partner’s actions and activities. Domestic violence is not a disagreement, a marital spat, or an anger management problem. Domestic violence is abusive, disrespectful, and hurtful behaviors that one intimate partner chooses to perpetrate against the other partner.

If you think you or a loved one may be experiencing domestic violence, Peace River Center is here to help. While physical abuse such as slapping, hair pulling, strangling, hitting, kicking, grabbing, excessively squeezing or shaking, twisting your arms, burning you, or intentionally injuring someone in any way may seem like the most obvious signs of domestic violence, there are other behaviors to be aware of and seek help immediately. Here are some of the additional domestic violence red flags to be aware of:

• Using your children against you
• Calling you names and hurting you emotionally
• Harming your pets
• Acting with extreme jealousy and possessiveness
• Isolating you from family and friends
• Threatening to commit suicide or to kill you
• Controlling your money
• Withholding medical attention
• Stalking you
• Showing up at your school or work or calling often
• Demanding sex or unwanted sex practices
• Hiding assistive devices
• Minimizing the destructive behavior
• Threatening to “out” you if you are a member of the LGBTQIA2+ community
• Controlling you with “that certain look” or certain gestures

If you experience, or witness a loved one experiencing, any of these domestic abuse red flags, it’s important to safely seek help. Peace River Center Victim Services can assist with talking through Safety Planning or even how to safely help a family member or friend escape domestic violence.

Remember, domestic violence is never the fault of the victim. Peace River Center victim Services is available 24-hours a day with free, confidential support. Call 863.413.2700 in Polk County or 863.386.1167 in Hardee and Highlands Counties.