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Nearly one in three women will be a victim of abuse at some point during her lifetime. Statistically speaking, that means that someone close tyou-- your mother, sister, friend, co-worker or neighbor has been or will be abused. This is often a hidden issue, covered up and disguised by both the victim and the perpetrator. When it is discovered, bystanders are often hesitant tspeak up. Being unsure of what tdand afraid tmake the wrong decision, they often stay silent and hope that the situation will take care of itself. Unfortunately abuse doesn't work that way. Violence is a cycle that progressively gets worse until the silence is broken and actions have been taken tstop it. If you suspect that someone you know is being abused, please read over the warning signs and take them seriously. By knowing about violence and speaking up, you could save a life.
Here are some signs that may indicate your friend is in an abusive relationship:
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has low self-esteem or self-confidence (especially if they were once bold and confident)
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seems afraid or anxious to please their partner
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has had a change in personality (once outgoing is now withdrawn, anxious or depressed)
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has frequent or suspicious injuries that they excuse as "accidents"
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is withdrawn and avoidant of people and activities that they once enjoyed
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has to frequently check in with their partner
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receives frequent harassing phone calls, text messages, or IM's from partner
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rarely goes out in public without their partner
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has limited access to money, vehicles, internet or cell phone
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frequently miss work, school, appointments, events, ect
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dresses in clothing that can hide scars and bruises (such as wearing long sleeves in the summer)
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talks about their partner's mood swings, bad temper, jealousy or controlling behavior
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their partner puts them down and humiliates them in public
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they constantly make excuses for their partner's behavior
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