Know the warning signs

Many health experts now agree that domestic violence prevention is a public health issue. When choosing a mate, or analyzing his behavior, you are taking into consideration your own health, safety, and well-being. And maybe also that of your children or other loved ones.

Even if you are not in an abusive situation yourself, it helps to know the following warning signs of potentially violent behavior in order to educate our daughters or help a friend.

• He's overprotective or extremely jealous.
• He gets angry easily.
• He puts you down.
• He threatens to hurt you, your family, or friends.
• He has ever hit punched, slapped, kicked, or shoved you.
• He fights with you in front of your friends or family.
• He tries to keep you from seeing friends or family.
• He uses intimidation or manipulation to control you or your children.
• He tries to control your finances.
• He has ever forced you to have sex.
• He harasses you at work.

Be realistic. Know that it is not likely that you can change his behavior or that he will change it on his own, unless he wants it enough to seek treatment.

For more information visit http://www.thehotline.org/ or http://www.deafdawn.org/.

For information on sexual assault awareness and prevention tips, visit http://www.co.pg.md.us/Government/PublicSafety/Police/assault.asp.

Source of article: Daily Cornbread: 365 secrets for a healthy mind, body, and spirit.