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Community -
Domestic Violence
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Sunday, 10 September 2006 01:12 |
06 Jul 05 Domestic violence and abuse is an unacceptable crime which affects people from all social, economic, geographical backgrounds - regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religious or sexual orientation. Domestic violence can include physical, sexual or emotional abuse. It could involve some of the following behaviour: - actual or threat of physical harm
- deprivation of food, sleep or money
- name calling and verbal threats
- sexual threats or forced sex
- use of weapons
- emotional blackmail
- isolation from family or friends
- imprisonment in your own home
- humiliation or belittlement
- using your children against you
- slapping
- kicking
- shoving
- choking
- pinching
- forced feeding
- pulling hair
- punching
- throwing things
- burning
- beating
- use of weapons (gun, knives, or any object)
- physical restraint - pinning against wall, floor, bed, etc.
- reckless driving, etc.
Forms of Isolation include: - checking up on you
- accusing you of unfaithfulness
- moving to an isolated area
- ensuring you lack transport or a telephone
- making your friends or family feel uncomfortable when visiting so that they cease
- punishing you for being 10 minutes late home from work by complaining, bad moods, criticism or physical abuse
- not allowing you to leave the house on your own
- demanding a report on your actions and conversations
- preventing you from working
- not allowing any activity which excludes him
- finding fault with your friends/family
- insisting on taking you to and collecting you from work
Domestic violence and abuse can take many forms, and can happen repeatedly. It is a cycle of abuse that if left unchallenged will become more frequent and severe. You may be a greater risk during pregnancy or if you try to leave.
What Are The Patterns? Domestic violence is not an occasional disagreement. It is a pattern of behaviour used by one partner to establish and maintain power and control over the other. Everyone has the right to feel safe in a relationship. Do not ignore the behaviour - seek help for the sake of yourself and your children. If you or someone you know is a victim or survivor of domestic violence and abuse the message is - There is no excuse for abuse: - you are not the only one
- you are not to blame
- you alone cannot change your abuser's behaviour
- ignoring violence is dangerous
- break the silence - do not stay isolated
- there is life beyond an abusive relationship
- you have the right to live free from fear
For perpetrators of domestic violence or abuse the message is - There is no excuse for violence or abuse: - you are responsible for your behaviour and can make choices
- you can change your behaviour
- help and support is available
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