What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, child abuse or intimate partner violence (IPV), can be broadly defined as a pattern of abusive behaviors by one or both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, friends or cohabitation. Domestic violence has many forms including physical aggression (hitting, kicking, biting, shoving, restraining, throwing objects), or threats thereof; sexual abuse; emotional abuse; controlling or domineering; intimidation; stalking; passive/covert abuse (e.g., neglect); and economic deprivation. Domestic violence may or may not constitute a crime, depending on local statues, severity and duration of specific acts, and other variables.

Domestic Violence costs the Australian economy approximately $13.6 billion every year. This figure is expected to rise to 15.6 billion by 2021-22.

Common Misconceptions....

Domestic violence only happens to poor women and indigenous women 

• Domestic violence happens in all kinds of families and relationships. Persons of any class, culture, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, age, and sex can be victims or perpetrators of domestic violence. 

Alcohol, drug abuse, stress, and mental illness cause domestic violence

• Alcohol use, drug use, and stress do not cause domestic violence; they may go along with domestic violence, but they do not cause the violence. Abusers often say they use these excuses for their violence. 
• Generally, domestic violence happens when an abuser has learned and chooses to abuse. 
• Domestic violence is rarely caused by mental illness, but it is often used as an excuse for domestic violence.  

When to Report Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a serious problem in our society. No one has the right to intentionally inflict harm upon another person. Domestic violence is any type of abusive behavior by one partner that attempts to manipulate, dominate, and gain and maintain control over the other partner. Abuse can occur in any type of relationship such as heterosexual couples, gay and lesbian couples, common law relationships, new relationships, dating relationships, and long term relationships. Abuse takes place in all communities, ages, social classes, and cultures.

There are many forms of domestic violence that include: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, social control, and financial control. Domestic violence can take many forms including physical violence, sexual assault, emotional abuse, or social or financial control.

Domestic abuse does not have to be physical or sexual to be considered domestic violence. No form of abuse is acceptable. The following details the types of abuse that should be reported

Physical abuse: This type of violence results in physical harm. The abuser will engage in such behavior as punching, strangling, slapping, hitting, pushing. They may also break household items and even damage walls and doors,

Emotional abuse: This type of abuse takes place when a partner uses abusive words to maintain control. The victim will be afraid to speak out because of the fear of retaliation by the abuser. The victim will often be depressed and have no self esteem. Threats abusers will make include: threatening to kill the partner and/or family members, threatening to take his or her own life, threaten to hurt the children or pets, and constantly calling the partner names and yelling and criticizing them.

Social abuse: This type of abuse involves a partner trying to control the other partner’s social and financial life. It can include: keeping them in the house by taking away their vehicle and money, disconnecting the phone, keeping them away from family and friends, locking them in a room, keeping them from attending community activities such as Church or parent/teacher sessions at their children’s school, and fighting with family and friends. They may also take control of the bank accounts and paying the bills.

Stalking; This type of behavior involves one partner harassing the other partner. It can be in the form of following them to school, work, or to a social event. They may stand outside and watch them. They will also constantly call and email. They may also try to contact them through coworkers, friends, and family.

Cyberstalking: This abuse takes place using the internet and email technology to stalk a person. It is a deliberate and persistent method of contacting a person. The messages are usually disturbing and threatening.

Sexual abuse: This type of abuse takes place when a partner forces the other partner to engage in uncomfortable sexual activities. Types of abuse include: making them have sex when they don’t want to, making them have sex with other people, engaging in sexual activities that are painful and demeaning, and rape.

Spiritual Abuse: This form of abuse involves one person using religious beliefs to manipulate and control a partner. They may use religion to force a partner to live a certain way. They may force their children to practice their beliefs and they may ridicule or belittle a partner’s beliefs.

The worst outcome of a domestic violence partnership is the death of a partner. Domestic murder is very common throughout the world. Without help or intervention, the risk of death becomes greatly increased. If you know someone who is the victim of abuse or if you are an abuse victim, it is important to contact the proper authorities for help. Love is not supposed to hurt.

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