Systemic abuse in close relationships often begins with more subtle and seemingly “invisible” forms of abuse, such as psychological and economic abuse. Without the visible signs like bruises or broken bones, which might be present in cases of physical or sexual abuse, it can be more challenging for specialists to identify the signs of current or past abuse that a client or patient might be experiencing.
Signs of Systemic Abuse:
- the woman appears anxious, cowers, looks down at the ground, behaves submissively, and has low self-esteem in the presence of her partner or guardian;
- the partner or guardian insists on being with her at all times, dominates the relationship, and speaks on her behalf;
- the woman experiences social isolation, has no friends, does not communicate with family members, and her ability to maintain social relationships is limited by the partner or guardian;
- the woman experiences emotional exhaustion, anxiety, depression, sleep, eating, or psychosomatic disorders, or other;
- the woman engages in self-harm, has suicidal thoughts, or attempts suicide.
- there is abuse of alcohol or drugs;
- the woman makes excuses, denies, or is ashamed of injuries;
- you notice injuries in less visible areas of the body, such as the abdomen, breasts, or genital area (especially during pregnancy);
- the injuries do not match the explanation provided;
- depending on the individual’s disability situation, abuse may involve actions such as taking away a smartphone or white cane or limiting access to these devices (in the case of visual impairment), refusing necessary assistance with personal hygiene needs, neglect, damaging or hiding a wheelchair (in cases of physical, intellectual, or complex disabilities), or humiliating and demeaning the person in front of others due to mental health issues or specific symptoms (psychosocial disabilities), etc.
