Warning Signs
Related Links
Physical Signs
- Bruises or injuries attributed to falls, clumsiness or accidents
- Clothing that is inappropriate for the season, such as long sleeves, turtlenecks, scarves, hats and sunglasses
- Unusually heavy makeup
Job Performance
- Many absences and missed appointments
- Frequently late to work and leaves early
- Unusually high number of personal emails
- Changes in job performance including difficulty remembering instructions and making repeated errors
- Unusual number of phone calls from family members combined with a strong reaction to these calls
- Insensitive or insulting phone messages
Emotional Signs
- Acts frightened and anxious, lacks concentration, cries
- Uncharacteristically quiet, withdrawn and depressed
- Sensitive about home life or hints that there is trouble at home
Additional Signs
- Is in the middle of a divorce
- Changes addresses frequently
- Receives a disruptive personal visit from a present or former partner or spouse
- Asks coworkers not to talk about certain things if a partner or spouse shows up at work
- Observes that a partner or spouse has been critical or has demanded an accounting for time and activities
Important note: Taken individually, these signs may also be caused by accidents or personal issues that have nothing to do with an intimate partner, or life changes that may affect job performance. Look for a pattern over time.
