Marala Scott's 'Indicators of an Abuser' Reach Out During Critical Time of Year
The holidays mark a stressful time of year that see an annual increase in domestic violence cases. Marala Scott's 'Indicators of an Abuser' can help alleviate this cycle.

WORTHINGTON, OH, December 25, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Women's centers and police departments around the nation are bracing for the annual peak in domestic violence cases between Christmas and New Years Day. Because of this, speaker and author Marala Scott, of "In Our House: Perception vs. Reality" fame, is emphasizing the 'Indicators of an Abuser' more urgently than ever, referring her community to her unique strategy of domestic violence prevention.

Beth Morrison, the president a highly trafficked domestic violence hotline in Detroit, says that her agency sees 10-15% increases in call volume during the holidays. In the southern U.S., Shreveport police spokeswoman Kaycee Hargrave blamed the temperature, lack of money, and heavy holiday drinking for the annual spike. The rest of the world observes the same pattern, as well: in Australia, there were around 2,250 reports of domestic assault in November, 2008. That number rose to more than 2,465 reports in December 2008 and 2,690 in January 2009, an increase of 20%.

"In Our House: Perception vs. Reality" recounts Ms. Scott's horrific childhood in a household of abuse. Through the experience of writing her story, she developed the "Indicators of an Abuser," a tool to help people recognize potentially abusive patterns in others (and in themselves).

The 'Indicators of an Abuser' tool lists twenty-three possible behaviors. If someone "controls access to medicines or medical devices," or if they "forbid or prevent you from working or going to school," then they might someday be physically abusive. Similarly, if they "isolate you from friends and family," or "keep access to money away from you," you might want to reconsider a long-term relationship. Ms. Scott's message has been featured on Oprah.com, praised by actor/musician Tyrese Gibson, and won Congressional recognition, including a letter of commendation from U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown.

Since the publishing of her memoir and 'Indicators,' Ms. Scott has spoken at colleges, high schools, and women's centers across the country, addressing the unique topic of domestic violence prevention. She focuses primarily on the 'Indicators of an Abuser.' Many of the hosting organizations have already requested that she return for a repeat engagement.

As families enter this stressful time, Ms. Scott is asking her community to remember the 'Indicators of an Abuser,' so that individuals can avoid violent situations before they even begin. She hopes that individuals in other communities will encourage their loved ones to do the same.

The full list of 'Indicators' appears below:

- An abuser is very controlling and very much in control.
- Makes you feel worthless or helpless.
- Makes you submissive, lacking assertiveness.
- Makes you afraid of him/her.
- Makes you feel an excessive fear of conflict.
- Embarrasses and belittles you.
- Constantly tells you hurtful things.
- Blames you for his or her mistakes.
- Makes most of the decisions in the relationship.
- Acts jealous of people you talk to.
- Chastises you after social functions for talking with others.
- Isolates you from friends and family.
- Forbids or prevents you from working or going to school.
- Controls access to your medicines or medical devices.
- Keeps access to money away from you.
- Threatens to have you deported.
- Abuses your pet when angry with you.
- Throws dishes or other objects.
- Demands sex, makes you perform sexual acts you are not comfortable with, or sexually assaults you.
- Displays significant personality changes.
- Has low self esteem, and causes low self esteem in you.
- Has a family history of abuse.*
- Has pushed, slapped, or otherwise assaulted you in the past.
- Has verbally, sexually, or physically abused your children in the past.

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