When Abuse Turns to Murder: Nonverbal Clues

First, if you are in an abusive relationship please take your situation seriously. One of the worst lies, are the lies we tell ourselves that are based on hope; especially if the hope is based on someone else's actions.

99% of all spousal/relationship murders there is a documented history of abuse; it is a rarity to have the spur of the moment passion murder.

What you need to look for is a change in the abuser's behavior.

Possible changes include aloofness, distracted, depressed, distancing from yourself and other family members, and/or more quiet.

Other things to look for are eye aversion, agitation, and/or not accepting touch from others.

If the change in behavior is noticed in conjunction with other major life changes/stress (pregnancy, job loss, new living situation, family issues, etc) there is a much higher risk of danger.

The above signs have been seen over and over again, unfortunately always after it is too late.

If you are a police officer it is important to understand this and convey this as a warning to the victims of abuse as you respond to these type of calls (which are an all too common call for the night shift) it could mean the difference between life and death, and could give the victim a clearer perspective of the future risks, so action is taken sooner rather than later.◦

When Abuse Turns to Murder: Nonverbal Clues