General information about abuse

What are some of the warning signs?

• He is extremely jealous.
• Wants to know where you are at all times.
• Gets upset if you spend time with friends or family.
• Holds rigid expectations of male/female or adult/child role.
• Expects you to meet his emotional needs.
• Blames others and you for his problems.
• Threatens you with violence.
• There may be many other warning signs. You can phone the nearest Woman's Shelter for further information.

In your contact with any family member, the following observations should be considered clues to the possibility of wife assault.

• a history of wife assault or child abuse in his family of origin.
• a suspicion of child abuse or sexual abuse in his role as a father.
• abuse of drugs or alcohol.
• a history of suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.
• such characteristics as:
  • impulsiveness
  • temper tantrums
  • jealousy
  • possesiveness
  • excessive dependence on his wife
  • immaturity

Taken from Understanding Wife Assault: A Training Manual for Counsellors and Advocates by Deborah Sinclair, M.S.W., C.S.W. pg 44

General Information about Abuse - Continued: Definitions of abuse Some things you should know What can you do if you have been abused? What do we know about abusers? Why women do not leave Effects of abuse on women and children.

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