Signs of Abuse

Here are ten warning signs that your friend may be in an abusive relationship:

• He calls her names or puts her down in front of other people.
• He acts extremely jealous when she talks to other boys, even when it is completely innocent.
• She apologizes for his behavior and/or makes excuses for him.
• She frequently cancels plans at the last minute for reasons that sound untrue.
• He's always checking up on her and demanding to know who she has been with and where she has been.
• You've seen him lose his temper and maybe even hit or break things.
• She seems worried about upsetting him or making him angry.
• She's giving up things that used to be important to her, such as spending time with friends, and is becoming more and more isolated.
• Her weight, appearance, or grades have changed dramatically. These could be signs of depression, which could indicate abuse.
• She has injuries she can't explain, or the explanations she gives don't make sense.