PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Domestic violence — it’s a crime that may be hard to spot because abuse often happens behind closed doors.

Physical injuries like bruises and broken bones are obvious signs of abuse. But domestic violence advocates should also pay attention to more subtle signs that may pop up early on in a relationship.

Leslie Jingluski with the Avalon Center says the first red flag of an abusive relationship is a partner who isolates or controls their loved one, forcing the survivor to withdraw from family and friends.

“It starts with isolation from your friends, isolation from family, and it can escalate to financial control and there’s always that control piece that you want to look out for. withdrawl, that’s a huge thing and i think that’s important to identify. and of course when it proceeds to physical violence you’ll be able to tell. you’ll know. you’ll see the bruises,” said Jingluski, who is the community engagement coordinator for the Avalon Center.

Are your or someone you love a domestic violence survivor? 10 On Your Side is here for you.

Avalon Center in Williamsburg

Eastern Shore Coalition Against Domestic Violence

  • Hotline number: 757-787-1329
  • Offers: emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotline, individual counseling, safety planning, children’s services, legal advocacy, accompaniment during hospital visits and court appearances and support groups to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
  • Website: escadv.org

Samaritan House Inc. in Virginia Beach

  • Phone: 757-631-0710
  • Offers counseling, emergency shelter placement and safety planning.
  • 24-hour Crisis Hotline 757-430-2120

H.E.R. Shelter in Portsmouth

The Genieve Shelter in Suffolk

  • Phone: 757-925-4365
  • Offers emergency shelter and crisis services.
  • Crisis Hotline 757-705-2025 or 757-353-1439
  • Contáctanos para ayuda inmediata 1-800-969-4673
  • Website: thegenieveshelter.org

Transitions Family Violence Services in Hampton

  • Phone: 757-722-2261
  • Offers emergency shelter, crisis services, court advocacy, and counseling.
  • 24-hour Crisis Hotline 757-723-7774
  • Website: transitionsfvs.org

YWCA South Hampton Roads in Norfolk

  • Phone: 757-625-4248
  • Offers emergency shelter and crisis services.
  • 24-hour Crisis Hotline 757-251-0144
  • Website: ywca-shr.org

National Human Trafficking Task Force Hotline: 1-888-3737-888.  

Hampton Roads Human Trafficking Task Force: 757-430-2120

Blue Campaign to bring an end to Human Trafficking

Prevent Child Abuse America – Coronavirus Resources & Tips for Parents, Children & Others.

Child abuse and neglect are serious problems that can have lasting harmful effects on its victims. For more information on preventing child abuse and neglect check out resources from the CDC, or call The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 for help.