ABILENE, Texas (BigCountryHomepage.com) – After a domestic violence suspect was shot and killed by an officer with the Abilene Police Department (APD) Monday morning, Big Country Homepage wanted to highlight local resources available to those who may need help, and offer warning signs for loved ones of potential victims to monitor.

Warning signs

One out of three women in Texas have suffered from domestic violence. Getting the feeling your loved one may be in an abusive situation is scary for all involved.

According to Women’s Advocates, here are some warning signs to be aware of:

• Pushing for quick involvement: Comes on strong, claiming, “I’ve never felt loved like this by anyone.”
• Jealousy: Excessively possessive; calls constantly or visits unexpectedly; prevents you from going to work because “you might meet someone.”
• Controlling Behavior: Interrogates you intensely (especially if you’re late) about whom you talked to and where you were; keeps all the money; insists you ask permission to do anything.
• Unrealistic expectations: Expects you to be the perfect mate and meet his or her every need.
• Isolation: Tries to cut you off from family and friends; accuses people who support you of “causing trouble.”
• Blaming others for problems or mistakes: It’s always someone else’s fault when anything goes wrong.
• Making others responsible for his or her feelings: The abuser says, “You make me angry,” instead of “I am angry,” or says, “You’re hurting me by not doing what I tell you.”
• Hypersensitivity: Is easily insulted, claiming hurt feelings when he or she is really mad.
• Cruelty to animals or children: Kills or punishes animals brutally.  Also, may expect children to do things that are far beyond their ability (whips a 3-year-old for wetting a diaper) or may tease them until they cry.
• Use of force during sex: Enjoys throwing you down or holding you down against your will during sex.
• Verbal abuse: Constantly criticizes or says blatantly cruel, hurtful things, degrades, curses, calls you ugly names.
• Rigid roles: Expects you to serve, obey and remain at home.
• Sudden mood swings: Switches from sweet to violent in minutes.
• Past battering: Admits to hitting a mate in the past, but says the person “made” him (or her) do it.
• Threats of violence: Says things like, “I’ll break your neck,” or “I’ll kill you,” and then dismisses them with, “I didn’t really mean it.”

Immediate assistance

For immediate assistance, the Noah Project in Abilene is the number one resource for domestic violence.
Call 1 (800) 444-3551 or click here to email the service.

The Noah Project works with women and families to mold domestic violence victims into survivors. Support services are offered to men, women, children and unaccompanied youth who are experiencing family, domestic dating and sexual violence.
Click here to help support the Noah Project.

Additional resources

The Abilene Housing Authority and APD/ Regional Victim Crisis Center both have extended resources lists.
This list is in no particular order.

Resources for after leaving your abuser

This list is in no particular order.