Something Just Isn't Right (There's an app for that.)
from SafeNet
Have you noticed changes in a friend's behavior that you can't explain and they won't talk about? There are many possible explanations: family conflicts, workplace stress or discrimination, financial worries, love life frustrations. There's another explanation you might not think of or deliberately want to avoid-partner abuse. All you know is something just isn't right.
Here are some observable behavior changes that could signal partner abuse:
- A once confident person acts insecure.
- They blame themselves for anything that goes wrong.
- They never talk about their relationship.
- Their partner checks on them constantly.
- Their mood changes after receiving a call/text from their partner.
- If you express concerns, they dismiss them.
- They seem to be pulling away from family and friends.
- They don't appear 'allowed' to make their own decisions.
- Their explanations for cuts, bruises, or other injuries don't add up.
RUSafe is a free app that provides questions to determine if someone is in an abusive relationship. It also provides information about how a friend can help. The app works across the U.S. by showing the closest domestic violence agencies and hotline numbers just by entering a zip code. (Victims of abuse should only download the app if it is safe to do so. If they delete the app, they should also clear the history.) Help a friend today by downloading RUSafe on either Google or Apple.
While RUSafe is helpful, it is primarily a pathway to other safety steps. To learn more about helping a friend, call SafeNet's hotline at 454-8161. All services are free and confidential.
