Most frequently asked questions:
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence occurs when one person in a relationship uses abusive methods to exert power and control over the other. The way perpetrators gain power and control varies, and if not stopped can escalate to physical violence including murder.
Domestic violence is not physical abuse alone. It includes verbal, financial, social, sexual, physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual abuse. The abuse is not a “one off” situation. It is normal to have occasional disagreements within the family setting. However domestic violence occurs on a continual basis.
I live next door to a household where there is domestic violence. I am too scared to do anything about it.
You should always do whatever you feel possible and safe for you. For example, telephone police. You could save someone’s life.
Do women deserve to be abused?
No-one deserves to be abused. This includes women, children and men. Most conflicts can be overcome by appropriate methods of communication. Many partners may benefit from participating in various educational courses including – conflict management, communication skills and for some perpetrators, anger management workshops.
I am experiencing domestic violence but the children are safe aren't they?
Most definitely not! Even very young children can hear, see and sense the abuse. Therefore children are also being abused. Some of the effects of domestic violence on children include – bed wetting, nightmares, asthma, headaches, feeding difficulties, sadness, bullying, shyness, speech problems, depression and so on. Some are caught in the crossfire of physical abuse and are injured or murdered.
Why don't women just leave if her partner is abusive?
There are many reasons and some examples are – no income, fear of being found, fear of murder of herself and children, further threats of violence, harassment at work, promises of change, and threats of suicide.
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