Chief Kevin M. Faller and the Melrose Police Department would like to share some common warning signs of domestic violence and resources that can assist those who are being abused.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than 10 million people in the United States experience physical abuse by a partner every year. On average, one in three women and one in four men experience some form of physical violence committed by an intimate partner.
At the start of a new relationship, it’s not always easy to tell if it will later become abusive. In fact, many abusive people appear like ideal partners in the early stages of a relationship. Domestic violence warning signs don’t always appear overnight and may emerge and intensify as the relationship grows.
Every relationship is different and domestic violence doesn’t always look the same. One feature shared by most abusive relationships is that the abusive partner tries to establish or gain power and control through many different methods and at different moments. Common signs of abusive behavior in a partner may include:
- Telling you that you never do anything right.
- Showing extreme jealousy of your friends or time spent away from them.
- Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with friends, family members, or peers.
- Insulting, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in front of other people.
- Preventing you from making your own decisions, including about working or attending school.
- Controlling finances in the household without discussion, including taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses.
- Pressuring you to have sex or perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with.
- Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol.
- Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions.
- Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets.
- Intimidating you with weapons like guns, knives, bats, or mace.
- Destroying your belongings or your home.
“Anyone who has been subjected to violence or coercion in their relationships is encouraged to reach out to the Melrose Police Department or our partner agencies here in Melrose that can provide help,” said Chief Fuller. “Escaping from domestic violence is incredibly challenging, but there are resources that can help, and support is available in our community.”
If you or anyone you know may be in an abusive relationship there are local agencies that can help.
To reach the Melrose Police Department, call 781-665-1212. (In an emergency dial 911)
To reach the Melrose Alliance Against Violence, call 781-665-2010, or visit https://www.maav.org/.
To reach Respond, Inc., call 617-623-5900, or visit https://www.respondinc.org/.