The Facts, not the Fiction…….
Domestic Violence Facts Versus Myths
Domestic violence facts versus myths: there are many misconceptions about domestic violence, and here are some stark truths to sort out the lies.
Myth
Domestic violence is usually a one time event, an isolated incident.
Fact
Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive, controlling behaviour that escalates in severity and danger over time. Domestic violence can include physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial and/or spiritual abuse.
Myth
Violence in someone else’s family is not my business.
Fact
Domestic violence not only severely impacts victims and their families, but also results in huge financial costs that affect our entire society.
Myth
If a domestic violence victim would leave her abusive partner, she would be safe.
Fact
Women are at an increased risk of harm shortly after separation from an abusive partner. A victim’s risk of getting killed greatly increases when in the process or shortly after leaving. On average, 4 women are killed by a current or former partner every day. (Violence policy centre/FBI 2011)
Myth
Domestic violence only affects the adults of the household.
Fact
Children are particularly vulnerable as they are both victims of and witnesses to domestic violence. Children who are exposed to violence are more likely to attempt suicide, abuse drugs, and run away from home. Men exposed to domestic violence as children are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults. (Strauss et al, 1990)
When people learn to live in harmony and stop throwing their weight around in order to get what they want, then perhaps we’ll see a reduction in the amount of domestic violence that occurs. It will require that those who currently feel the need to bully others take stock of themselves and see the damage that they are causing, and own their own darkness. Until then, things won’t change.
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