Here are some myths and facts about Domestic Violence:

MYTH: Fighting is part and parcel of family life.

FACT: Differences and conflicts happen amongst family members. However, in a healthy family relationship, members seek ways to overcome their differences. Violence is not a normal part of family life.

MYTH: Domestic violence is a private matter.

FACT: Domestic violence affects everyone, including children. Violence is not a normal part of a marital or familial relationship and is unacceptable.

MYTH: Violence will eventually stop.

FACT:Domestic violence is often not a one-time act. Most victims are caught in a cycle of violence. After a violent episode, the person causing harm may feel sorry and promise to change for the better. However, after some time, the tension will build up and the person causing harm resorts to violence again. The abuse can get more frequent and serious – it may even claim a life.

MYTH: Alcohol or drugs are to be blamed for the violence.

FACT: Alcohol may intensify violent behaviour but it is not the cause of violence. Alcohol or drugs is not an excuse for abusive behaviour.

MYTH: The victim is to be blamed for provoking violence.

FACT: Very often, the violence and anger are triggered by something which the victim has no control over. No one deserves to be abused, regardless of the behaviours of the victim. There are alternative ways of handling a situation without resorting to violence.

MYTH: Domestic violence only occurs among the poor and uneducated.

FACT: Statistics have shown that domestic violence happens to people of all ages, races, religions, occupational, educational and financial backgrounds.

MYTH: If the situation was really that bad, the victim could just leave.

FACT: The victim may have reasons for not leaving – love, fear, embarrassment, low self-esteem, financial constraint or consideration for the children. Staying in a violent relationship does not mean that the victim wants to be abused.

MYTH: Persons causing harm are clearly violent in all their relationships.

FACT: Persons causing harm may be extremely violent at home but can be reasonable and respectable outside the family. Persons causing harm do not look any different from your neighbour, colleague, friend or boss.