Does someone you know NEED Connect?

Four out of ten people in Calgary are, or have been, in relationships that are abusive or show signs of abuse. Almost half of Calgarians have experienced some form of sexual abuse. If you know someone who might be in a situation that doesn’t seem positive or healthy and who might need our help, be a friend by getting information, passing it on or encouraging them to connect with us.

Not sure if your friend needs help? First of all, think about what is usual behavior for your friend, family or loved one. And then watch for changes in behavior such as:

Warning Signs of Abuse

In Adults

• Personality changes (angry, moody, agitated etc.)
• Becoming withdrawn, closed, suddenly fearful or secretive
• Difficulty sleeping or abnormally tired
• Lower self-esteem, feeling negative about themselves
• Difficulty concentrating
• Neglecting personal hygiene or personal appearance
• Physical signs of injuries like bruises, sores and cuts
• Making excuses for injuries which seem implausible
• Hiding injuries with excessive make-up, sunglasses, extra clothing
• Appetite changes - weight loss or weight gain
• Starting to use substances or increasing in substance use
• Stops attending usual activities (church, gym, family and holiday gatherings)

In Children

• Physical signs of injuries like bruises, sores, cuts
• Unhappiness and withdrawal. May appear irritable and sad and withdraw from activities they once enjoyed
• Regression - returns to an earlier stage in development, such as clinging to caregivers, thumb-sucking or bed wetting
• Changes in school performance - positively or negatively - or suddenly seeking more approval by teachers
• Anger, violence or bullying behavior towards other children or animals
• Difficulty sleeping, nightmares
• Sexually acting out by using knowledge, language and behavior that is out of the scope of normal sexual development.
• STI’s, frequent yeast or bladder infections, pregnancy in older children, difficulty sitting or walking, injury to genital areas, child complaining of headaches and stomach aches without medical explanation, etc.