- Men are covered under the family violence provisions in the Women’s Charter, alongside women and children.
What are the common effects of Domestic Violence on victims?
Physical effects
When physical violence occurs, victims of abuse are likely to have visible injuries such as bruises, welts on the face, broken arms or fractures. If the abuse is serious, the injuries inflicted may be life threatening.
Psychological effects
Victims of abuse may feel ashamed to talk about the abuse and will give excuses about their injuries or may try to disguise them. The victims may suffer from low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, experience changes in moods, become withdrawn, and some may have suicidal thoughts. Some abused victims are isolated and confused about their situation. They may feel a sense of helplessness and continue to live in fear.
What are the myths and facts of Domestic Violence?
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 perpetrator may feel sorry and promise to change for the better. However, after some time, the tension will build up and the perpetrator 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: Perpetrators are clearly violent in all their relationships.
FACT: A perpetrator may be extremely violent at home but can be reasonable and respectable outside the family. Perpetrators do not look any different from your neighbour, colleague, friend or boss.
What is Dating Violence?
Dating violence occurs in a dating relationship when one partner uses a pattern of abusive behaviours to exert control and power over the other.What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic Violence is violent, threatening or controlling behaviour that happens within the family. Domestic violence could be: * physical injury * threats * sexual assault * emotional and psychological torment * damage to property * social isolation * any behaviour which causes a person to live in fear Domestic Violence covers a broad range of controlling behaviour—often of a physical, sexual, and/or psychological/emotional nature—typically involving fear, harm, intimidation and emotional deprivation. This may include verbal abuse, threats, harassment, intimidation and controlling behaviour like limiting access to friends, relatives and finances. Domestic violence can happen at any level of close interpersonal relationships — spouses, partners, parents, children, and siblings.What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse refers to any action or inaction that puts the health safety or well-being of an elderly person at risk. The abuse is often carried out by a family member or caregiver whom the victim trusts.
You can find more information on elder abuse [here].
What is Spousal Abuse?
Spousal abuse occurs when one spouse uses physical or non-physical means to control and instill fear in their partner. This can include physical violence like slapping, shoving and punching, or non-physical acts like verbal insults, threats of violence and neglect.
You can find more information on spousal abuse [here].