Once an incident of domestic violence has occurred, that violence will escalate with each episode: the abuse is progressive and usually will not stop until one of the partners dies or escapes.
The abuser probably does not initially plan on abusing the woman. The problem stems from his altered thought process and his sense of entitlement. Abuse is not his goal, but control is. If you recognize behavior characteristics that I have previously noted as “red flags” and you are experiencing any of the abuse listed below, this could be a sign of serious potential danger! Remember, abuse is progressive.
THE PHYSICAL ABUSE RANKING SCALE:
- Throwing things, punching the wall.
- Pushing, shoving, grabbing, and throwing things at the victim.
- Slapping with an open hand, kicking, biting.
- Hitting with closed fists.
- Attempted strangulation.
- Beating up (pinned to the wall/floor, repeated kicks, punches)
- Threatening with a weapon
- Assault with a weapon.
Adapted from “Identification and assessment documentation and intervention,” Surgeon General’s Workshop on Violence and Public Health Report.
THE FOLLOWING HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS ADDITIONAL RISK FACTORS FOR SERIOUS INJURY OR HOMICIDE:
- History of domestic Violence.
- Abuser is violent outside the home.
- Abuser uses violence against the children.
- Abuser threatens to kill the victim or children or commit suicide.
- Threats are escalating.
- Illicit drug use by the perpetrator.
- Abuse occurs during pregnancy.
- Victim has attempted to or is planning to leave or divorce in the near future or has sought outside intervention to end abuse.
- Abuser is obsessed with the victim, is stalking or following the victim or exhibiting signs of extreme jealousy.
- Abuser has seriously injured the victim in the past.
- Abuser has threatened to harm children/family members if the victim leaves.
- Abuser has access to a gun or has previously used or threatened the victim with a gun.
- Abuser leaves threatening notes on the victim’s car.
- Abuser is highly controlling.
- Attempted strangulation.
- Presence of a child living in the home who is not the abuser’s biological child.
