The effects of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking on victims can be extensive and can surface in diverse ways. Being aware of these issues and possible indicators may help you better understand a woman's experience; it can also help you to better identify people who you are serving who may be experiencing or who have experienced violence in the past. 

Keep in mind that people will respond differently to the violence they experience. When working with individuals, you may find that one person can be outspoken or angry, another person may show no emotion, and another person still could be very depressed or ashamed. It will be important for your organization to establish an environment where all people can feel comfortable disclosing so these various reactions can be validated and supported. Disclosure is a challenging process that can take time. An understanding of the best ways to respond to the various issues brought up can help ease the disclosure process for each individual.  

Indicators of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking can be physical, emotional and/or behavioral in nature. How a survivor presents will depend upon her/his own unique situation, strengths, and resources. The following are only a handful of potential indicators reported by some survivors:

• Fear of a partner, caregiver, acquaintance or strangers
• Sadness and/or symptoms of depression
• Emotional numbness
• Low self-esteem, low self-worth
• Helplessness

• Poor eye contact
• Addictions
• Hyper-vigilance
• Promiscuous behavior
• Appearing isolated from family or friends
• Suicidal tendencies
• Expressing homicidal feelings towards another person
• Indirectly or directly talk about domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking
• Appearing anxious about something that would not normally create anxiety, such as getting home late, going somewhere alone
• A consistent pattern of making and missing appointments that is poorly explained
• Restrictions placed on travel, phone use, friendships, money
• Unexplained increase in absence from work

• Bruising, welts, lacerations or scars
• Blackened or swollen eyes
• Fractured or broken bones
• Split lip, broken teeth
• Series of ER visits
• Increase in severity of injuries
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Unwanted pregnancy
• A history of injury that is not well explained